We explain what an opinion is, the origin of the term and its use in philosophy. Also, its meaning today and the impact of the media.
What is opinion?
An opinion is the result of an evaluation, judgment or review that someone makes about a person, an event or any aspect of reality. This word comes from Latin opinions which is linked to the criterion or point of view, and is therefore closely linked to subjectivity.
In ancient philosophy, in fact, the Greek Parmenides of Elea (5th century BC) used the term doxa to refer to opinions or conjectures, that is, to subjective ideas opposed to true knowledge of reality. This was because opinion has its origin in a priori knowledge, that is, in the sensory world, and not from the rational and reflective world.
However, with the passage of time the concept of opinion changed significantly. Today it is considered that There is a less conjectural, more reflective judgment, that is, the informed opinion. This especially coincided with the emergence of public opinion, that is, when the conglomerate of opinions and judgments of the population began to have an impact on the destiny of nations, for example.
In fact, as certain media gained immense relevance in the conduct of modern societies, the management of opinion or The formation of opinion became one of the usual purposes of the media. This is done, for example, through editorials and/or opinion articles, of an argumentative nature, which seek to convince the reader of a point of view.
Continue with: Expression
References
- “Opinion” on Wikipedia.
- “Opinion” in the Dictionary of the language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “What is an opinion note?” in the General Directorate of Culture of the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina).
- “Concept and value of public opinion in modernity” at the University of Murcia (Spain).
