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Fact vs Opinion

metronome
I was recently engaged in an argument (if you can even call it that honestly) in which I shared statements regarding recycled content. During the course of said conversation I stated reasons and gave textbook definition as to why it was a fact that said content was recycled. However all of this was treated as opinion as if it had no real merit. Where exactly does the fine line between fact v opinion lie and who has the right to judge? If I say PS4 is better than Xbox1 yes that's opinion but if I say PS4 have a better GPU then that is fact. Is someone less knowledgeable about the subject able to make that call? Here's the conversation in question. (hold control and scroll-wheel up to magnify) http://i.imgur.com/WysAFOv.png
jikokun
If people don't know the difference between opinion and fact, it's time for them to go back to school. As per dictionary.com Fact: noun 1. something that actually exists; reality; truth: Your fears have no basis in fact. 2. something known to exist or to have happened: Space travel is now a fact. 3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true: Scientists gather facts about plant growth. Opinion: noun 1. a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. 2. a personal view, attitude, or appraisal. 3. the formal expression of a professional judgment: to ask for a second medical opinion If somebody "less knowledgeable" has the evidence to back their claim, yes, they are able to say it as a factual statement. If they cannot support it with evidence or data, then it's an opinion. If said question is "which system is better", there is no right or wrong answer. It's preference. If the question is "which has a better processor", there is data to back up the better system. /thread
metronome
Jul 23, 14 at 9:01am
*shrug* I already know I was correct, however you can't completely stick to definition in some cases. If we go back a long ways to when Isaac Newton said the earth was spherical he didn't have all the evidence to back that claim even though we now know it is fact. You can try to be all wannabe condescending as much as you like but there's plenty of room for contention and discussion kthnx.
stellalina
Why is chocolate so addictive.. is a fact.
jikokun
It's not condescending, that's an opinion. I'm giving get you facts, that's a fact. I answered your question twice now. Also, that's not true about issac newton. He knew due to the sun went from east to west in an arc. That alone will tell you that the earth is spherical, but if he needed more evidence, I'm sure he could provide, given the amount of research he done in said topic. Also, give me an example of when you can't stick to a definition of a word, besides your newton one.
metronome
Jul 23, 14 at 11:26am
It wasn't Newton who provided the evidence that convinced the masses just fyi, since people believed in Descartes theories so heavily but anyways. Only white chocolate is addictive don't get things twisted! Another example? How about when it comes to words like right and wrong or justice? There are plenty of words that are open to interpretation.... That's just the power of language. Read a book from Hayakawa a long time ago in my HS honors semantics class which changed my view on words.
jikokun
Right and wrong are both opinions and is more of a sociology issue, bad example. Justice is the same way. It's the social standard of what and how somebody is tried/convicted. What is "right", or socially accepted, and what is "wrong" and how far past the boundaries of what is socially considered "wrong" depends on the level of opinionated justice served. On top of this, all three words have multiple definitions. I gave you answers based off of how you grouped all three; a sociological viewpoint. I can give you each definition, but I'm sure you know how to use a dictionary.
vampire_neko
OK here's one just to start trouble: Would you say it is a fact that the existence of God is an opinion?
lucinda
Jul 23, 14 at 8:35pm
yeah
vampire_neko
I agree, just curious how people would respond.
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