Weaving the Social Tapestry: Why Your Opinions Matter More Than You Think

We often hear the phrase, "You're entitled to your opinion," usually deployed as a polite way to end a contentious debate or acknowledge differing views. But what does it truly mean to be entitled to one's opinion? More importantly, what responsibilities come with expressing that opinion publicly?

Your Opinion in the Public Domain

Here's the nuanced part: having an opinion doesn't automatically sanctify your viewpoint as unassailable. Once you articulate that opinion, it steps into a moral domain where it engages with the ethical experience of the 'Other.' Your expressed opinion isn't just your private belief; it becomes a contributive element to our mutual, intersubjective understanding of reality.

Intersubjective Realities: The Social Contract

To delve deeper into this intersubjective realm, think about constructs like justice, morality, nations, and even money. These are neither immutable, objective truths in the fabric of existence, nor simply individual, subjective beliefs. They reside in a powerful middle ground of intersubjective meaning, often referred to as "the social contract." Their significance arises from our collective agreement on their importance.

The Responsibility of Public Discourse

When you express an opinion, especially in public, you're adding a thread to this intricate tapestry of intersubjective truths. Your views become part of how we collectively negotiate topics such as justice, ethics, and morality. Thoughts and opinions that engage our shared experience are invariably open to scrutiny and debate.

The Weight of Evidence

Don't assume that all opinions are born equal. Some are more strongly anchored in evidence, making them more valid contributors to communal discourse. We have not only the freedom but also the ethical responsibility to ground our opinions in facts and remain open to changing them when faced with persuasive counterarguments.

In Summary

Being entitled to an opinion isn't a carte blanche to impact the collective narrative irresponsibly. When we share our thoughts, they join a grander conversation shaping our mutual, intersubjective realities.

The next time you decide to voice your views, remember: you're not simply declaring a personal belief; you're contributing to a collective effort to discern truth in a complex world.

Recommended Reading: “Near Enemies of the Truth”, by Christopher Wallis