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Learn to distinguish between objective facts and subjective opinions when building a case.
Imagine two people arguing about a pizza. One says, 'This pizza has exactly 8 slices.' The other says, 'This pizza is the most delicious thing ever made.' Which person can actually prove they are right?
An objective fact is a statement that can be proven true or false using evidence, measurement, or observation. Facts do not change based on who is speaking. For example, saying 'The temperature outside is ' is a fact because we can verify it with a thermometer. In the world of logic, facts are like the bricks of a building—they provide a solid, unshakeable foundation. If a statement can be tested by a 'camera' or a 'ruler,' it is likely a fact. Even if a fact is eventually proven wrong by new science, it remains an objective claim because it is based on data rather than personal feelings.
Quick Check
If I say 'The school library has 4,500 books,' is this a fact or an opinion?
Answer
It is a fact because it can be verified by counting the books.
A subjective opinion is a statement of belief, feeling, or value. Opinions tell us how someone feels about the world, but they cannot be proven true for everyone. Keywords like best, worst, beautiful, or should often signal an opinion. For instance, 'Math is the most exciting subject' is an opinion. While it might be true for you, it cannot be measured or proven to someone who prefers History. In a debate, opinions are the 'paint' on the building—they make it interesting, but they cannot hold up the roof on their own.
1. Statement A: 'This pizza has pepperoni on it.' (Fact: You can see and identify the topping). 2. Statement B: 'Pepperoni is the best topping.' (Opinion: This is a personal preference). 3. The Test: If you ask 100 people, they will all agree Statement A is true if they see the pepperoni. However, many will disagree with Statement B based on their own taste.
In a formal argument, facts are your evidence. An argument built only on opinions is like a house built on sand; it collapses under pressure. To persuade someone, you must use facts to support your claims. Consider the difference in 'weight' between these two arguments:
* Argument A: 'We should have longer recess because it's fun.' (Opinion-based) * Argument B: 'We should have longer recess because studies show students' focus increases by after 20 minutes of physical activity.' (Fact-based)
Argument B is harder to ignore because it uses a verifiable statistic to prove its point.
1. Claim: We need to reduce carbon emissions. 2. Opinion Support: 'I feel like the weather is getting too hot and it's annoying.' 3. Fact Support: 'Global temperatures have risen by approximately since 1880.' 4. Result: The fact-based support provides a specific, measurable reason that others can verify, making the argument much stronger.
Quick Check
Why is 'Argument B' about recess more likely to convince a school principal?
Answer
Because it uses a measurable statistic (25% increase in focus) as evidence rather than just a personal feeling.
Sometimes the line blurs. An informed opinion (or expert judgment) is a conclusion reached by an expert after looking at many facts. For example, a doctor saying 'You have the flu' is an opinion, but it is based on the facts of your symptoms and test results. In Grade 7 philosophy, your goal is to move from 'blind opinions' (I just feel this way) to 'informed arguments' (I believe this because the facts support it).
Identify the facts and opinions in this paragraph: 'The movie lasted 120 minutes. It was the most boring film of the year. Only 10 people were in the theater, which proves that the director made a huge mistake.'
1. Fact: The movie lasted 120 minutes (Measurable time). 2. Fact: 10 people were in the theater (Countable). 3. Opinion: It was the most boring film (Subjective feeling). 4. Opinion: The director made a mistake (Value judgment).
Which of the following is an objective fact?
Why are facts more effective than opinions in a formal debate?
A statement can be a fact even if it is later proven to be false by new evidence.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain the 'Camera Test' to a friend: If a camera can't record it (like a feeling), is it a fact or an opinion?
Practice Activity
Watch a 30-second commercial. Write down one fact they mention and one opinion they use to try to sell the product.