Opinion

Carlos Cunha, Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
cunhacdowling@yahoo.com

Opinion is a viewpoint, thought(s), or attitude formed in the mind about a particular issue, but it may not be based on fact or knowledge. Once it is expressed in some manner and shared with others, it has moved beyond mere thinking. These numerous ideas (as well as opinion expression, holders, types) reflect the diversity of human thought and intellectual inquiry. In considering opinions, one should be mindful of potential subjectivity, non-factual nature, variability, and expressiveness.

Various academic disciplines use opinion in their studies, including Medical Ethics, Law, Education, Environmental Studies, Literature and Cultural Studies, History, Philosophy, Media and Communication Studies, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and Political Science. Philosophy, for example, tends to offer views on ideals, knowledge, being, logic, and cognisance. Political Science focuses on political structures, beliefs, authority, power, control, fairness, and the state. Sociology emphasises society, organisations, relationships, inequity, civilisation, and identity, among other issues. Psychology examines comportment, awareness, and human advancement. Economics considers models, marketplaces, state involvement, and disparity. History digs into occurrences, actions, and progress over time. Literature and Cultural Studies look at textual representation as well as impact on social attitudes. Media and Communication Studies analyse public discourse and accounts. While law unearths interpretation and application of rulings and decrees. Concerns surrounding opinion include confirmation bias, subjectivity, and diverging perspectives.

Keywords: disciplines, viewpoint, subjective

Related Entries: Subjectivity, Opinion Expression, Bias

References:
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1972). Attitudes and opinions. Annual Review of Psychology 23(1), 487-544. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.23.020172.002415
Gerard, H. & Orive, R. (1987). The dynamics of opinion formation. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology, Vol. 20 (pp. 171-202). Elsevier.