In general, an opinion is a belief about matters commonly considered to be subjective, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument, although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts. Opinions rarely change without new arguments being presented. It can be reasoned that one opinion is better supported by the facts than another by analysing the supporting arguments. In casual use, the term opinion may be the result of a person's perspective, understanding, particular feelings, beliefs, and desires. It may refer to unsubstantiated information, in contrast to knowledge and fact-based beliefs.
Collective or professional opinions are defined as meeting a higher standard to substantiate the opinion. (see below)
Read more about Opinion: Epistemology
Famous quotes containing the word opinion:
“The superiority of one man’s opinion over another’s is never so great as when the opinion is about a woman.”
—Henry James (1843–1916)
“My opinion is that a poet should express the emotion of all the ages and the thought of his own.”
—Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)
“The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we have of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us.”
—Quentin Crisp (b. 1908)