How often do we see that, when someone is simply doubling down on their view irrespective of clear evidence that challenges or downright disproves their position?
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Quote:
FALLACY TIME: I’M ENTITLED TO MY OPINION
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION: It is true that everyone is (legally) entitled to their opinion. However, “I’m entitled to my opinion,” is often used to shield an unsupported position. And being entitled to your opinion doesn’t mean you’re right, or that anyone needs to take your opinion seriously.
There are several problems with this fallacy.
1. An opinion doesn’t mean what they think it means. Opinions are subjective judgements or viewpoints. When someone claims they are “entitled to their opinion,” it’s often because they are trying to shield factually incorrect assertions.
2. All opinions aren’t equal. Expert opinions are interpretations of evidence based on years of study and experience, and are significantly more robust and reliable than non-expert opinions. “I’m entitled to my opinion” suggests that their opinion is just as good as anyone else’s.
3. We should all be open to changing our minds if the evidence suggests we should. “I’m entitled to my opinion” is essentially an admission that they can’t justify their position… but yet they’re unwilling to entertain contradictory evidence or other points of view.
In the face of facts that contradict a belief, especially one central to our identity or values, we use motivated reasoning to reduce the cognitive dissonance that arises when reality and our beliefs are in conflict. When that fails, our Get Out of Jail Free Card is to defend the belief by rendering it unfalsifiable and therefore immune to evidence. We move the goalposts. Discount sources or deny evidence. Proclaim that it’s our opinion.
It’s important to remember that the purpose of arguing isn’t to be right, it’s to get it right. “I’m entitled to my opinion” shuts down any further disagreement. They simply don’t want to be wrong.
HOW TO COUNTER: I tell my students on the first day of class that they are not entitled to their opinions. (At least not in class!) They are only entitled to what they can support with evidence.
It’s a bit trickier in the “real world.” Remember that people are often unfamiliar with the basics of critical thinking, so they may not be used to having to support their positions with evidence. Consider explaining why “I’m entitled to my opinion” is fallacious, and the benefits of healthy disagreement. The best approach is probably to ask them why they hold this particular opinion, and why they think they’re “entitled” to it.
Member Since: 07 Apr 2014
Location: Here
Posts: 13609
"Yes you are and I'm entitled to show how your opinion is simply incorrect"
It's similar to the the classic "I find that offensive" and I refer people to Stephen Fry's rebuttal of that position:
Visiting from rrsport.co.uk
2012 RRS SDV6
2008 RRS TDV8
"When you fire that first shot, no matter how right you feel, you have no idea who's going to die! You don't know who's children are going to scream and burn. How many hearts will be broken. How many lives shattered. How much blood will spill, until everybody does what they were always going to have to do from the very beginning: SIT DOWN AND TALK!"
19th Dec 2022 12:49 pm
SENC
Member Since: 24 Sep 2022
Location: NC
Posts: 54
I'm offended by your opinion. 🤣
19th Dec 2022 2:23 pm
Moo D3 Decade
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19th Dec 2022 2:36 pm
RRSTDV8
Member Since: 07 Apr 2014
Location: Here
Posts: 13609
SENC wrote:
I'm offended by your opinion. 🤣
So f'ing what?! Visiting from rrsport.co.uk
2012 RRS SDV6
2008 RRS TDV8
"When you fire that first shot, no matter how right you feel, you have no idea who's going to die! You don't know who's children are going to scream and burn. How many hearts will be broken. How many lives shattered. How much blood will spill, until everybody does what they were always going to have to do from the very beginning: SIT DOWN AND TALK!"
19th Dec 2022 2:48 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2821
I work for a very large American corporation, and get sent like this every day.
My Opinion of it always involves ignoring it and just applying a good bit of old fashioned common sense.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
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