Why is it necessary to know the differences among a factual claim, an opinion, and a commonplace assertion?
Answers
Answer:
To evaluate an argument, you need to understand the writer's claim and the evidence that supports it. Distinguishing between a factual claim and a commonplace assertion will help you determine whether the evidence is adequate.
In the world of public discourse, it’s important to know the difference between a factual claim, an opinion, and a commonplace assertion. In the era of social media, it’s also important to watch out for these three types of claims being used maliciously. If you’re not careful, a false or misleading claim can create a lot of emotional harm.
To avoid this type of harm, it’s important to take a look at each type of claim and the best way to recognize it. Factual claims are objective statements that are true or false, opinion statements are subjective expressions of judgment, and commonplace assertions are statements made without proof.
Explanation:
A factual claim is a statement of something that has been verified. It is the truth. An opinion, on the other hand, is not based on any evidence at all. This makes it subjective—and therefore not something you can count on. An opinion is a point of view that is not objectively true. Opinions are often based on personal experiences and beliefs. For this reason, opinions can be dangerous, because they can lead to discrimination and prejudice. A commonplace assertion is something that is generally accepted because it's repeated often. Commonplace assertions are usually opinions, myths or assumptions. They are not always true.
It's difficult to know how to tell the difference between opinion, fact, and evidence. It can be hard to discern when someone is stating an opinion or making a factual claim. But it's not too difficult when you consider this equation:
- fact + evidence = factual claim
- opinion + evidence = argument
- commonplace assertion + no evidence = assumption.
When someone is stating an opinion, they are talking about what they want us to believe based on their own thoughts. When someone is giving a factual claim, they are telling us something that has been verified by objective reality. And when someone is making an argument, they are supporting their position through reasoning and examples.