METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING

Objective:
Distinguish opinion from truth
FACT OR OPINION GAME
Tell the following statements as
either fact or opinion.
OPINION
FACT
 My mom is the best mom.

OPINION FACT
OPINION
 Birds can fly.

OPINION FACT
FACT
 The sun is hot.

OPINION FACT
FACT
 Volleyball is fun to play.

OPINION FACT
OPINION
 Red horse beer tastes good.

OPINION FACT
OPINION
ACTIVITY
In your group. Write down your ideas about
your given topic and what you think about
it. Select a class representative to present
your discussion.
FACT, OPINION AND TRUTH
WHAT IS TRUTH?

Truth is the body of real things,

events, and facts (Merriam-Webster)
ABSOLUTE TRUTH AND RELATIVE TRUTH
 Absolute truth is something that is true at all times and in all
places.

 Relative truth is getting consensus or having people agree on

a common belief.

 The main idea behind this view is that a belief is true if it

"coheres" or is consistent with other things a person believes.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF SOMETHING IS THE
TRUTH?
 Ancient Greek Philosophers approached the problem of
truth by looking at the nature of knowledge and how we
know what we know.
EPISTEMOLOGY

“nature of knowledge “
 HOW CAN PHILOSOPHY GUIDE US IN
DISTINGUISHING TRUTH FROM OPINION?
 Opinions are statements go beyond providing
facts. They also provide conclusions or
perspectives regarding certain situations.

 Opinions are also the bases for making

arguments and convincing people that a certain
claim is a fact.
  Arguments are a series of statements that provide
reasons to convince the reader or listener that a claim
or opinion is truthful.

 However, a number of arguments may be based on

faulty reasoning. These kinds of arguments are called
fallacies.
Any questions?
 Now that we know the differences
between facts and opinions, how can we
use this knowledge to our daily lives?
ESSAY

In your own words answer the following questions:

1. What is truth and why is it important?

2. How can philosophy guide us in distinguishing

truth from opinion?
ASSIGNMENT
Give a situation that shows the
difference between opinion and truth?