When an Argument Turns into an Opinion
An argument turns into an opinion when the grounding of a claim shifts from evidence-based reasoning to subjective belief. Arguments are conventionally structured through premises, logic, and conclusions that invite verification or refutation. Opinions, by contrast, are rooted in personal perception, preference, or conviction, often beyond empirical validation. The transition occurs when discourse abandons reliance on demonstrable facts, shared criteria of truth, or rational inference, leaning instead on individual values or interpretations. This shift highlights a crucial distinction: arguments aspire to universality, aiming to persuade through systematic justification, whereas opinions affirm individuality, shaped by perspective and context. Yet, boundaries between the two are porous, as arguments may draw upon opinionated premises, while opinions may be articulated with argumentative rigor. Understanding when argument becomes opinion is essential in philosophy, rhetoric, and public discourse, as it signals a move from adjudication of truth to negotiation of viewpoint.
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