Poll: Can opinions be wrong?

[Woodsey]

This is something I often think about - especially when I'm on these forums - as it often results in debates becoming arguments. And I'm guessing that most people's gut reaction to the question will be, "no, of course they can't."

"Well that's just my opinion," seems to have become a get-out-of-jail-free-card for anyone from racists to the mythical beings that say they don't like Mafia (it's OK my friends, they're not real). In some cases that's a perfectly valid response when talking about an opinion on something subjective (a film/game/book, etc.) but in other instances that doesn't work.

If I said I hate Australia because they invaded China, then my opinion is wrong; that never happened (at least, I don't think it did...) and so my opinion is based on a false fact which in turn makes my opinion wrong.

So to me, an opinion can easily be wrong - of course, that's just my opinion.

Does anyone agree or disagree?

EDIT: This has come up quite a few times now, and I think that a far better word to use is "invalid" as opposed to "wrong".

 

[AvsJoe]

My opinion is that Aqua is the greatest band of all time, bar none.

 

[hyperhammy]

Of course an opinion can be wrong. For example if someone were to say a racist slur and afterwards say it's just his opinion, it's wrong.

 

[hyperhammy]

My opinion is that Aqua is the greatest band of all time, bar none.

That's wrong. Weezer or Cage the Elephant are the best bands ever.

 

[RollingDigits]

Only if it is presented as fact.

 

[Safe in the Dark]

Well you've based the false opinion on a false fact,which is impossible the point of a fact is that it is an absolute truth,therfore it is not a fact at all but simply a delusion,which lends itself to many quandries....

 

[rdaleric]

something i often say is "Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong". Freedom of speach FTW.

 

[Woodsey]

Unlike some idiots that just talk out of their ass and honestly think they know what they are talking about.

To be fair, if they talk out of their arse about their arse, they probably do.

 

[Kif]

Depends on the type of opinion, if the opinion is on something subjective... for instance I think such and such are the greatest band ever. Well then, technically it cant be wrong but it can differ person to person because it's not really measurable.

However, if someone were to say I think that pigs have wings and can secretly fly then that opinion is wrong.

 

[Safe in the Dark]

But then again...What is wrong?...A basis of reality,while reality is based on perception,which of course lends itself to the delusions of other being as they perceive....A fact still remaining an absolute truth,but different perception of said truth are indeed different peoples' realities meaning that their opinions are based on their facts and it all reads back into each individuals perception of reality,the world,etcetra etcetra.

 

[The Blue Mongoose]

I think most opinions are "wrong". I mean, if it's my opinion that the Playstation/Xbox is better than the Xbox/Playstation, it may be my solemnly held belief, but it's not "right" until it's provable. (Just in case someone gets angry with me I included both options for a reason.)

 

[Woodsey]

But then again...What is wrong?...A basis of reality,while reality is based on perception,which of course lends itself to the delusions of other being as they perceive....A fact still remaining an absolute truth,but different perception of said truth are ideed different peoples' realities meaning that their opinions are based on thir facts and it all reads back into each individuals perception of reality,the world,etcetra etcetra.

I knew I'd missed out an option in the poll...

 

[Shepard's Shadow]

Yes, opinions can be wrong. If someone bases an opinion on wrong information or "facts" they believe to be true but are not, then they are wrong. Will they always admit they are wrong when shown evidence that they are? No. That is the most frustrating part.

That said, opinions that are based on favorite color, what music you like etc. are never wrong, because people have different interests.

 

[Safe in the Dark]

I don't believe an opinion can be wrong,only facts,and while some facts are wrong to a select group of individuals,for example person A says thing x is better than thing y to him it is fact but to everyone else it is opinion which he is entitled to,when do the lines truly become evident?...It's things like this that I enjoy discussing.

 

[Woodsey]

I don't believe an opinion can be wrong,only facts,and while some facts are wrong to a select group of individuals,for example person A says thing x is better than thing y to him it is fact but to everyone else it is opinion which he is entitled to,when do the lines truly become evident?...It's things like this that I enjoy discussing.

OK, but if we take my example of Australia invading China, causing me to hate Australia (I don't, by the way) then surely you'd agree that that opinion is wrong?

Afterall, I'm basing it solely on an incorrect "fact".

 

[Jezzascmezza]

If it's completely stupid or ignorant, then yes, it can be.

My opinion is that Aqua is the greatest band of all time, bar none.

Like this.

 

[Jekken6]

My opinion is that opinions can be wrong.

 

[Safe in the Dark]

I don't believe an opinion can be wrong,only facts,and while some facts are wrong to a select group of individuals,for example person A says thing x is better than thing y to him it is fact but to everyone else it is opinion which he is entitled to,when do the lines truly become evident?...It's things like this that I enjoy discussing.

OK, but if we take my example of Australia invading China, causing me to hate Australia (I don't, by the way) then surely you'd agree that that opinion is wrong?

Afterall, I'm basing it solely on an incorrect "fact".

Well in that case.it's the fact itself is wrong,which can lead to "wrong opinions" but after all it would what the person sees,and to everyone it'd be wrong but him or a few others,making it right to them,it's a difficult series of endless paradox's and clashing ideals...Either that or lack of sleep is making me look into every single detail.But to simplify it...I just answered no.

 

[Woodsey]

I don't believe an opinion can be wrong,only facts,and while some facts are wrong to a select group of individuals,for example person A says thing x is better than thing y to him it is fact but to everyone else it is opinion which he is entitled to,when do the lines truly become evident?...It's things like this that I enjoy discussing.

OK, but if we take my example of Australia invading China, causing me to hate Australia (I don't, by the way) then surely you'd agree that that opinion is wrong?

Afterall, I'm basing it solely on an incorrect "fact".

Well in that case.it's the fact itself is wrong,which can lead to "wrong opinions" but after all it would what the person sees,and to everyone it'd be wrong but him or a few others,making it right to them,it's a difficult series of endless paradox's and clashing ideals...Either that or lack of sleep is making me look into every single detail.But to simplify it...I just answered no.

I can sort of see what you mean. Sort of.