As I was reading the first chapter of the textbook, I was very intrigued by the way that the significance of opinions has changed over time. Ancient rhetorics were based solely around opinions, but in the modern world, rhetorics are based around facts and figures. It seems to me that all facts, figures, and statistics start out as an opinion. It is not until research has been done and applied to opinions that they become facts.
In today's political world, especially around the time of presidential elections and such, citizens base their vote on their opinions and beliefs and which candidate holds the same opinions and beliefs. For example, more controversial issues, such as the economic crash a few years ago, will separate people based on their opinions of how to approach and resolve the problem. Politicians and citizens alike become involved in debates over whose opinion, and the facts and statistics that go along with them, is "right" or more effective as a solution.
The same can be said about topics completely unrelated to politics. For instance, I had lunch with a few friends that had asked me why I dance. One male friend went on to argue that dance is not a sport, it is merely a form of art. My opinion is that dance is both an art and a sport. Dancers put forth just as much for exercise, endurance, and stamina as any other athlete. Ballet is even used to help other types of athletes, such as football players, to increase their balance and tone muscles. Even after my explanation, he still believed that there was no reason to change his view on the topic.
It is discussions and debates such as these that put into perspective the impact opinions have and how rhetoric fits into everyday discussions, not just politics, although that is the most common first thought when someone thinks of rhetoric.
I found your perspective on opinions very interesting. I think you pointing out that all researched facts began as opinions helps to increase the importance of opinions.
ReplyDeletescam_mail_snitch_off from mail2joseph dot com says to Thomas Holt:
ReplyDelete"Don't believe that do you? Surely you've misstated what you meant, right? The phrase 'all researched facts' cannot be accurate, can it? Check-out the definitions and discussions of 'opinion'.
Although many folks seemingly base most of their life-choices on opinion, Facts & Figures (correctly understood & applied) are consistently the basis for success. This is not to rule-out random opinion-based actions resulting in desired outcomes. Plain-dumb-luck should produce positive outcomes one-out-of-two times given enough tries."
I pray for the day when personal integrity is a universal trait. Objectively seeking facts then using that 'power' with discretion can only better the individual's immediate circumstance locally and spread from that point. Only thing stopping this 'dream' is the behavior of humans who respect opinion (usually their own) beyond Facts & Figures, and lack discretion, lack compassion, lack respect, lack maturity.