How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion

Assignment Help Other Subject

Reference no: EM132991321

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions - but not their own facts." (Daniel Patrick Moynihan, cited in Vanity Fair, 2010, para. 2)

We form opinions - and make our judgments - based on facts we observe and values we hold. Our judgments are also influenced by the opinions of others. In the section "An Expert on Hate in America" in Chapter 6, one of the authors, Dr. Peter Facione, renders an opinion on a non-profit civil rights organization: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Dr. Facione is a leading advocate and one of the most influential voices in the field of critical thinking.

His endorsement of the civil rights organization is unqualified. It is also transparent: Dr. Facione reveals that he is a financial supporter of the organization and has arranged speaking engagements for its founder. This is Dr. Facione's invitation to you, the reader:

Knowing where you can learn more about the SPLC for yourself, and knowing about Dr. Facione's endorsement and support of the Center's work, evaluate this claim made by Dr. Facione: "The SPLC is an expert on hate in America" (p. 124).

The endorsement of the SPLC is contained in the most current edition of the text, whose copyright date is 2016. Since that time Morris Dees, co-founder and former chief trial counsel, has been fired (Hassan, Zraick & Blinder, 2019). Previously, there has been controversy about groups and individuals that are listed by the SPLC as "hate groups" (Graham, 2016; Price, 2018). The organization, which has nearly a half-billion dollars in assets, has also been criticized for how it spends these funds (Robinson, 2019).

Question 1: How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion? Explain what you believe to be the purpose or function of facts in making a judgment.

Question 2: How did you respond to the self-assessment question? Since doing further research, have you re-thought the way in which you assess credibility and reliability? What is the importance of factoring the recency of a reference or opinion (i.e., how old is it?) into an assessment of credibility and reliability?

Reference no: EM132991321

Questions Cloud

Outline copd triggers that increase exacerbation frequency : Outline COPD triggers that can increase exacerbation frequency, resulting in return visits. Considering Mrs. J.'s current and long-term tobacco use

What are the total period costs for the month : Inc. produces a single product. Roadrunner has provided the following data - What are the total period costs for the month under direct/variable costing

Explain the clinical manifestations present : Describe four cardiovascular conditions that may lead to heart failure. What can be done in the form of medical/nursing interventions to prevent the development

What are thoughts on the cultural perspective : How accurately does the movie depict Latinx (specifically, Mexican) beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife? What are thoughts on the cultural perspective?

How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion : How important are facts in the process of forming an opinion? Explain what you believe to be the purpose or function of facts in making a judgment.

Prepare the entry for open market purchases : Missouri wheels Ltd sold 9,000,000 of 14 yrs, 3.5% bonds at par on Jan 1, 2020. Prepare the entry for open market purchases

How would develop readiness for change in a group : Discuss how would develop readiness for change in a group that mixes both types of people. Given the different perspectives on change by those who like it

What are some of the implications of allowing the group : What are some of the implications of allowing the group to have two options in accounting for goodwill on consolidation

Recommend one fda-approved drug and one off-label drug : Recommend one FDA-approved drug, one off-label drug, and one nonpharmacological intervention for treating your assigned disorder in children and adolescents.

User Account

All Pages