Why do people state an opinion, then call it a fact?

Question

Last I checked, facts could be proven. An opinion cannot. Can't we recognize the difference. Facts are the same for everyone, as opinions are different. Different perceptions of the same facts are all equal, as long as the facts are not in dispute.

Is it arrogance?

Answer 1

the problem is ...we dont all agree on what constitutes a "fact"......

Answer 2

You are partially correct. But the definition of a "fact" is somewhat limited by the measly human brain. When we say something is fact, we mean that our perception agrees with the overwhelming majority of knowledgeable and objective observers.

You could, for example, swear to me that there is no such thing as gravity, that its existence is merely an opinion. If you grew up on a space ship.. and never looked out the window.. this might be a reasonable conclusion. But you would not be an objective and informed observer.

If you stick to your pure definition of fact, then there are no facts at all. How do you KNOW that your brain isn't in a jar and just being fed with your perceptions? There are no true facts.

Now, if what you're getting at is evolution then, yes, by the definition above.. knowledgeable and objective.. the basic premise that all life evolved from a single common ancestor is a fact. There are open debates about exactly what processes took place to make that happen, but that it happened is as factual as the existence of gravity. You could find more physics PhDs that dispute the existence of gravity then you could find biology PhDs that dispute common decent.

I'm totally okay with people thinking whatever they want, but you telling me that the earth is flat, despite a thousand - or so - years of observation and investigation, doesn't magically give your "opinion" equal standing with mine.

Answer 3

Lack of education.

I don't mean that as an insult. I mean it literally.

We no longer teach formal logic as a course in school until college, and then it is voluntary. We then wonder why people seem so illogical.

They aren't. People can't be illogical. Only an argument can. But even that little use of phrase is considered normal and acceptable.

They aren't arrogant. They just don't know any better. They may be my superior in almost everything, and miss this one thing. Not arrogance.

Answer 4

I don't think it's a product of arrogance as much as it is a lack of critical thinking ability.

Intelligent, methodical people know the difference between facts they know and how they evaluate those facts or what the conclude from an array of facts.

Answer 5

well there are many argumentitive tools and one of those is presenting an opinion as a fact, like so

Gun Crime In the Uk is out of control

well thats only my opinion (its not but it works) but it looks like i just wrote a fact and its a lot more powerful than saying

'I for one feel that gun crime in the UK is out of control' because that leads the reader to think about what they think 'erm well i don't think it is really' so the whole arguement is lost

people do this with out realising though because heres the thing

'god created the universe'

again I am presenting that as a fact. its not my view by the way but thats saying its a fact its not saying 'i think god created the universe' because that makes you question what you think about it

but did god create the universe

'the big bang theory' and the steady state theory are to seperate ideas and scientists feel the big bang is plausable as is the steady state theory and as neither can be proven so we can't really suggest our argument either way

Answer 6

You are absolutely correct. Some things are subjective, some are objective. Some things are on the edge. For instance I might say the paint in my living room is sea foam. You might think its mint, these are opinions. The fact is that the wall is green.

Answer 7

Yes. And some people choose to be ignorant of the facts, which tends to lead to overblown arrogance.

Answer 8

It depends on where the burden of proof lies, I suppose. Why do people believe you if you say there's 4 billion stars in our galaxy but if you tell them that the paint on the wall is still wet they have to stick their finger in it and check!?

Answer 9

Heavy indoctrination eventually leads one to believe that the opinion is a fact.

Answer 10

Not so much arrogance as the (apparent) inability to distinguish which is which.

Answer 11

if your referring to God, then id say its a fact he is and will always be. i have life experiences for that knowledge not to mention the faith! if were talking bout oh that house is so pretty then that is an opinion cuz what my taste is like might not be yours.