Opinion

OPINION. - An assertion to which assent is given, but without absolute certainty and without there being evidence (v.) of its truth.

Parmenides identifies opinion (δόξα) with sense knowledge and devalues it (H. Diels, Die Fragm. d. Vorsokratiker, 4th ed., Berlin 1922; fr. 8, lines 30 ff.). The Sophists hold that it is the only possible knowledge, while nevertheless acknowledging it to be changeable and unstable (Regia, op. cit. in bibl., p. 24 ff.). For Plato, opinion is an imperfect knowledge that stands midway between ignorance and science (ibid., p. 46), because its object is the world of becoming, which stands between non-being and true being. Aristotle, who attributes greater value to the sensible world, also values opinion more highly. In Greek philosophy, opinion is contrasted with science (ἐπιστήμη), which is the knowledge of what is necessary, of what cannot be otherwise, demonstrated knowledge (Anal. post., I, ch. 2).

Opinion is distinguished from doubt (v.), since doubt is a suspension of assent, whereas in opinion an assent is given, even if with a certain fear that the opposite may be true.