Facts, Opinions, and Emotions

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Facts, Opinions, and Emotions

When we observe, understand, describe, and communicate about the world, what exactly are we understanding and expressing?

Both facts and opinions need to be expressed. Emotions, to some extent, are naturally revealed during the expression process through word choices and body language.

Facts are divided into “things” and “events.” A “thing” is an independent entity, while an “event” is the effect produced by the interaction of a series of things.

An opinion is your description and view of a certain fact.

Here’s an example:

One morning, on your way to work, you saw a fox and took a picture with your phone. You immediately and excitedly shared this experience with a friend.

You message your friend: “I actually saw a fox on my way to work today!”

Your friend might reply: “Really? How could there be a fox in the city?”

You immediately send the picture to confirm the information.

Then, you and your friend engage in a lively discussion about it.

Let’s analyze this description process: what are the facts, what are the opinions, and what are the emotions?

The fox and the picture of the fox are facts.

Based on your description of seeing a fox, your friend’s question, “How could there be a fox in the city?” is an opinion.

Excitement, doubt, and surprise (“actually”) are emotions.

In our descriptive expressions, these are the main components. But are facts reliable? Are described facts reliable? People sometimes easily get caught up in subjective emotional expressions.

For example, if you saw the fox but didn’t take a picture, what would you do when your friend asks you about it? Would your friend believe you?

If it’s a close friend, they would likely trust you unconditionally and might even suggest taking a picture next time. But if you shared this with a stranger, the outcome would be uncertain.

This process actually encompasses “logic” and “critical thinking.” The example is relatively simple, but when facing more complex situations, we should have a clearer understanding of what are facts, what are opinions, and what accompanying emotions are involved.