There is no truth...All statements are false...Nothing can be known of reality...
The aforementioned claims are a few self-refuting statements that I love to collect. I do such a thing for two reasons:
1. I want the truth to stand out and be the guide for all discussions
2. I want to make sure that I articulate in a clear and logical manner and thus never use self-refuting statements
Well, this morning, I heard another wonderful, self-refuting statement, and had to add it to my list. Now that I think about it, it is one that comes up in many debates, articles, and discussions on controversial topics...here it is:
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion."
My response to this statement is simply, "No, everyone is not entitled to their own opinion."
If they agree to my statement, then by default, their statement is incorrect. If they disagree with my statement, then they are not allowing me to have my own opinion, which, by default, makes their view incorrect as well...in other words, it falls into one of the three classic laws of logic, the Law of excluded middle, which states, "for any proposition, either that proposition is true, or its negation is true.
One of the main reasons the statement, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," is self-refuting, is because it makes a universal statement and applies it in a non-universal situation. Including the word "Everyone" in an improper context, simply allows me the opportunity of being the exception to the rule.
Why It Matters
In a day and age of political correctness, fear of offending, and subjectivity rules, we will certainly have someone try to use "opinion" rhetoric on us as we discuss The Truth of Jesus of Nazareth. So we need to tear down these illogical "opinion" statements and never allow them to intimidate us.
The Solution
The solution to defeating the "opinion" claim, is to use arguments based on reason. This forces one to think about what they say, and to give substantiation to their claim...substantiation that can then be deemed true or false.
On another note, I can say, "Everyone is entitled to their own argument based on sound reasoning," and it would not be self-refuting because someone would then have to give me reasons if they agree or disagree...which would then prove my statement correct.
So if you are ever listening to a debate, reading an article, or having a discussion, don't ever be persuaded by the "opinion" rhetoric...instead, demand an argument based on reasoning, then the opinions will fall, and the truth will stand!
If they agree to my statement, then by default, their statement is incorrect. If they disagree with my statement, then they are not allowing me to have my own opinion, which, by default, makes their view incorrect as well...in other words, it falls into one of the three classic laws of logic, the Law of excluded middle, which states, "for any proposition, either that proposition is true, or its negation is true.
One of the main reasons the statement, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," is self-refuting, is because it makes a universal statement and applies it in a non-universal situation. Including the word "Everyone" in an improper context, simply allows me the opportunity of being the exception to the rule.
Why It Matters
In a day and age of political correctness, fear of offending, and subjectivity rules, we will certainly have someone try to use "opinion" rhetoric on us as we discuss The Truth of Jesus of Nazareth. So we need to tear down these illogical "opinion" statements and never allow them to intimidate us.
The Solution
The solution to defeating the "opinion" claim, is to use arguments based on reason. This forces one to think about what they say, and to give substantiation to their claim...substantiation that can then be deemed true or false.
On another note, I can say, "Everyone is entitled to their own argument based on sound reasoning," and it would not be self-refuting because someone would then have to give me reasons if they agree or disagree...which would then prove my statement correct.
So if you are ever listening to a debate, reading an article, or having a discussion, don't ever be persuaded by the "opinion" rhetoric...instead, demand an argument based on reasoning, then the opinions will fall, and the truth will stand!
