Are Opinions the Same as Judgments?: Philosophy Friday | Fresh P

[@garyw5627]

An outstanding Philosophy Friday topic, one that I've contemplated for some time now. My profession instilled a need to make judgments on the spot and to then be able to defend those judgments almost always. Now that I'm away from that part of my life, I find that I am more open to accepting other's perspectives and ideas. Not necessarily embracing them; but, able to understand their stances on issues more easily. So I think that, although we define our opinions and judgments by our life experiences, we can learn to use those filters less if we are willing to take that risk and be open to new ideas and experiences. I don't want to say that, the things that made us who we are, aren't important and that they offer us safeguards; but we can learn to not let them rule how we see others in this great big world. Sure those experiences offer us the stable platform by which we establish our self-protections, they just don't have to be so rigid and hardened that they prevent us from experiencing life on a grander scale. Thanks!

[@sueleigh1018]

Many years ago when the world was cooling, I read M. Scott Peck's "The Road Less Traveled" wherein he talked about being growthful. He said that if we keep volunteering to grow, we reach the point where we develop "a universal love of all mankind." And eventually, I realized that that feeling had become a part of my nature. There are always challenges, boy howdy, but I've learned how much better love FEELS in the heart than resentment or its companions. And I've learned that when you can't change another person or situation, you CAN change yourself and your perspective. There must be humility. Pride is at the heart of soulsickness and destruction at the personal, societal and global levels. I used to loathe as sicky sweet the song, "Let There Be Peace On Earth (and let it begin with me") but in a very real way, it's true. Thank you for another wonderful PF. And please do a PF vlog on those ideas you've been pondering. I can't get enough. Now I have to saddle the camel and ride hell for leather over to Instagram to see what you're incubating and going to hatch for us!

[@haybloomer]

Thanks for the video. I have been looking into a similar concept for almost 3 years. In my experience...:), compassion comes under the general heading of love. "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving". While the analogy isn't perfect, it is closest that i could easily remember. FYI the first video I can remember of yours is with the pizza oven. Have a nice day.

[@Thefreshp]

Ah you've been here a while. Wow, you've been at it a long time. Tell me more. I do believe that we are love and can absolutely love without giving, but giving is a reaction to a full heart for sure. I think it goes beyond a sense experience, but it's anyones guess as to what that entails. I'm not that connected....yet ;)

[@haybloomer]

In the spirit of your talk, I suppose I should share that I am a Christian farmer. I tend to be pragmatic which can skew how others perceive my responses. Love at it's core is to want better for others. I used to be much more judgmental and still am working on it. (Accepting the Bible as truth), why would someone give up the grandeur of heaven to come suffer just so that humans might have better? Love. Just my two cents.

[@mark-nt5pg]

This is how I define the difference, an opinion does not have an emotion attached to it, a judgement does. This can get very subjective. We live in a culture that currently uses the word "judge" way to often. When I hear someone say "I 'm not trying to judge you but. .... My next thought is , you already have.

[@HerenorThere524]

Oh my gosh, i found a video of yours on the deep litter chicken coop method and now im in the rabbit hole! I love the eclectic, inspired style of your channel

[@Thefreshp]

Oh Love that's so sweet. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Raindroptherapy]

Thank you for this thought-provoking discussion starter.

[@Thefreshp]

You're welcome.

[@davegoodridge8352]

I rarely pass judgement on others, I generally can find the best in others. But to myself, I'm merciless. I find that I am so hard on myself.

[@Thefreshp]

Oh this makes me sad, you are such a beautiful soul. For over 2 decades I struggled with an eating disorder, I exercised chronically in order to maintain a certain weight. My physical appearance was the one thing that I alone could control. I was as you say merciless on myself. There are several components leading up to the change, but one day I realized that this body was a vehicle that allowed my soul to experience human life, to learn how to love and how to be loved. I am so much more than a body image. And without this physical body, I would not have had the opportunity to know true love. Something in that equation helped me see myself as a conduit rather than a project. I started stripping away the layers of perfection/glamor/perfect dress and began working on myself, my own practice of grace and love and acceptance. Now I see that as my ultimate gift. I can't even relate to the person I used to be, but I can see exactly where she came from and how much work was needed, and how much there is yet to learn. I no longer have the taste for self criticism, I lost the ability. I'm actually quite irrelevant when you look at the big picture, so I do the best I can where I am in this moment and that is enough. I hope you know that you are loved and appreciated and a beautiful representation of what it means to be human.

[@jeanlee1911]

for me I think we use our life opions( past experiences) to make judgments. our past opions formed from pain will leave an open wound that will cause our judgments to be more harsh or encased in fear. I hope that makes sense.

[@Thefreshp]

That's very beautiful, yes it not only makes sense it feels so relevant to my own life. Thank you.

[@stinksterrekerinski4450]

Bible mentions krino versus diacrino- krino is judging into nouns and diakrino means to discern between two things. 1Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge (diakrino- discern) ourselves, we should not be judged (krino- condemned). We should know good versus evil that we know both and avoid evil. What is evil- it gets into opinion if there is no moral absolutes. But the bible is clear about what is evil and good in the law. The law is what to avoid- fortunately god gave the law not to condemn us (krino) but that we may discern (diakrino) in that we can see we have sinned and need forgiveness. Love forgives sin. If others don't want to know what sin is we cannot judge them to hell but we can know to avoid their way and take the straight and narrow.

[@TAL62]

WOW! Lots to think about! Love this video!!!

[@garydunlap1733]

Thought provoking with much to consider...... Thumbs up :)

[@Thefreshp]

That one was for you Gary.

[@garydunlap1733]

FRESH PRINCESS u made me smile.

[@garydunlap1733]

So much to consider on this topic, I do however keep returning to the person offering the opinion and or judgement. It is a wise person who is mindful to remember that all offered opinions/judgements are filtered through a myriad of life experiences....good and bad. Our lens is rarely as clear as we believe it to be.

[@NeilPost71]

Thanks P!

[@Zerkbern]

I am still, and always will be, your advocate.

[@Thefreshp]

+Zerkbern thank you Love. I don't know why I have such a hard time remembering...

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

At one point, you ask if compassion is the missing ingredient in connecting your your neighbor, with your friends, with your spouse, with your family, with yourself. I would posit the reverse. What if lack of empathy and compassion in others is what keeps many sensitive, introverted, compassionate people from connecting with others? For the past month, several people have told me that we are raising generations of narcissists who are strangers to empathy and compassion. How do we teach empathy? How do we teach compassion?

[@turnersparadise8368]

By being good parents and role models for the youth. I am first in line to bash Millennials, God knows I raised three myself, but the truth is they are no different than any other generation. Kids are stupid. They face some different problems and their world is probably more challenging than ours was at that young age, and Lord knows there are plenty of problems, but one thing I have noticed is the younger generations display a sense of justice and equality and a much deeper concern over emotions and each other than my generation (Generation X) did. Sometimes even to radical extremes. At the end of the day people always grow up. Imagine what the parents of the drug crazed Boomers thought through the sixties. Imagine what the Boomers thought as Generation Xers took over the world. The torch is just passing...It will be alright.

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

+Tenspeed TheBikeHanger. Thank you for this insight. It helps.

[@kgbear3662]

Philosophers seek answers of all sorts of questions. Why we are, who we are, where we're from and where we are going , these are just a few. When philosophy is mixed with empathy the question answered or not, becomes simple. Acceptance , becomes normal. No judgement can truly be made until you've been in the others shoes. Furthermore even then, you're still NOT them. So asking a question philosophically and mixing it with empathy, add a dash of humility and respect to your findings and opinions seem to loose their energy to be hurtful or judgmental . Remember we really are all in this together . Kelly Glenn.

[@turnersparadise8368]

Wow, that was a deep one. I *think* I agree with most of what you said. If I may expand the definition of judgment you give and add to it something else you mention I would say judgment is opinion hardened by personal experience. I have always looked at it more like your husband in that I want to hear as many opinions as I can even if I feel they are wrong or foolish. I am not afraid of confrontation or argument but I sincerely try to keep an open mind on most things. I am not afraid to recognize that my judgment is often wrong. Now, about trust and love: My wife brings up the point of what kind of love are we talking about? We love our oldest son very much, but we can't trust him as far as we can spit. He is a compulsive liar. OTOH, marital love without trust is finished. In fact, trust is the primary component of marital love. Without it you have nothing. But I guess that is best saved for that video.

[@Thefreshp]

Ooooo that is going to be a good one. I don't ascribe to the Greek concept or modern day psychological definition of multiple forms of love. I believe that love is love, it all originates from the center. We attach other things ONTO love, like possession, desire, etc, but Love is the core of all loves if you will. At least, that is how I understand it.

[@turnersparadise8368]

FRESH PRINCESS I get you. Maybe so...Maybe so.

[@romantheweasel]

makes you rethink a lot of stuff and I'm gonna try to have a different outlook on things.

[@velvanae]

YAY, IT'S P.F ON F.P!

[@norahbradley5138]

I'm not sure if my thoughts on why you tube does these things is more opinion or judgment.lol. This was a great video.

[@timothyduzenski1386]

What is 2+2? Now, don't think of the answer. See, you can't? The human mind desires to finalize everything. This comes from a lot of places and mostly narcissistic. No, narcissism is not really a bad word here. What it's all about self; how we feel, how we think, which has been informed by the best lessons we have learned (whether real or perceived) through life. Sometimes we take shortcuts to finalization. So we begin to adopt opinions and judgments from our surroundings that make us feel like we belong in our in harmony with that environment. In general terms "judgments" are not really a hardening or softening of opinion. It's really more about finalization. To wit: "The issue is settled" at least in my mind. But I look for change because change really is the only constant. I think there's beauty in the fact that if you trust in other humans all you need to do is understand they are continually trying to change and evolve. If you believe that then you can celebrate the fact that they will eventually find the right path. Maybe that's overly optimistic. We all need to be allowed the space to change. So, judgment versus opinion? Does it really matter? How do I find my way through? Do I have to understand the nuts and bolts? Can I just remain open and willing to change? More and more as I get older (49 now) I ask myself this question: "is it necessary?" "is it necessary"? Well that's enough from me. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. Tim

[@todddembsky8321]

Oy, FP -- this video had my emotional intelligence meter bouncing off each of the extremes. 1) What is Opinion: Opinion is "my" interpretation or belief based upon the knowledge I currently have. 2) Judgement: Judgement is where I apply my opinion as a filter over someone. Opinion is formed by personal experience, cultural beliefs, societal norms. These are all "taught" to us. My opinion may and will direct my response to a situation. However, if I overlay my opinion on a person -- that is Judgement. How do you lessen Judgement -- (you nailed this one) compassion (I looked up synonyms of compassion (empathy, grace, tenderness)) Before you can judge someone (ok -- we cannot Judge another, we can only "decide" on if we like them or dislike them; agree with them or disagree with them), you first have to have the facts. The Back Story. The reason why. Someone's opinion is what "they" believe based upon the knowledge they currently have. The best way to not make a judgement is to learn, open your heart, be vulnerable, find out their values. Soften your heart and listen to the other person's heart. I disagreed that Judgement is opinion that is hardened. Judgement is a hardened heart, one's inability to put pride aside and put on the learning cap. I am also struggling with the reptilian brain -- that is instinct. Pre-programming inherent in a species. It should not (in my opinion) be used as a justification of a judgement. Survival, and judgement are separate in my tiny male brain. On the LOVE and TRUST --- YES, YES, YES --> please post.

[@OZARKCOTTONTOP]

I couldn't agree more .... I feel that I have an open mind yet when gifted with a disabled son I realized just how judgmental /close-minded I had been in the past ... I raised my older 4 children very strict and they turned out excellent , I was open to their personalities etc which allowed me to deal with situations differently with each child ect HOWEVER my 5 yr old Has NF1 MICRODELETION .... He is ''profoundly delayed'' that forced me to look at the world with a whole new perspective ... Not only did I have to learn his personality -as I had my other children- I had to learn a whole new way of learning/teaching ... It made me question WHY we were trying to change him to fit into societies mold instead of society embracing his uniqueness .... After all he doesn't understand and ''we'' pride ourselves on knowing all..... NOTHING is ever as it seems and the moment we feel we know all we have only begun

[@jennifercarlton670]

yes it is true Jesus lays it out in Matthew 7 and also the chapters preceding that. . .however over-zelous philisophical thinking has an" innate"ability to sometimes "muddy the water"s on some points and subjects, and we must proceed with caution

[@Thefreshp]

I don't worry about another's salvation, it allows me to love them easier if I take myself out of the equation.

[@sueleigh1018]

What havee I done??? I noticed my comment was entered twice and when I tried to delete one, it deleted your valued response!! And I loved your response...for which, thank you and hugs!

[@Thefreshp]

+Sue Leigh ah you read it, that's what matters. ❤

[@02pwrstrk]

Are you an "in network provider"? lol. I would love to come lay on your couch while you take notes and give me psychotherapy sessions. I feel like I could lay out all of my problems in front of you. You have put out a pretty tough question. I keep fighting myself with, Yea I can change judgement into an opinion, or in the thinking, "that is my norm", and no, I will judge a person or thing and call it total garbage because I know them or it to be. So, are they or it really garbage, or are they or it just different than what I consider the norm? It's a continuous loop in my head right now, so I'm not able to answer, or maybe I just did. Thanks for Philosophy Fraturday. Your friend Randy P.

[@sheilamorse2624]

Here is a good rule for reprovers (judgmental persons); first reform thyself. My family is wanting me to sign up on facebook, but I refuse to do so because of all the "opinions" and judgement calls. I agree with Chris DIYer in that it just saps my energy to be in a conversation that is full of opinions and judgements....ugh! With that being said, I do value peoples opinions that aren't judgemental. That is rare person these days it seems.

[@turnersparadise8368]

I don't like Facebook, it is a nasty place unless you just keep it tied to your immediate friends list, then what is the point. I have an account and I love reading the idiotic comments, especially the political ones, but I learned long ago to not participate. Very unlike KZbin which seems to attract a more intelligent crowd for the most part, albeit trolls live everywhere. :-) EDIT: Just realized how judgmental my post is. Ah well, it is what it is...

[@sheilamorse2624]

Lol I thought it was just your opinion.😊

[@Thefreshp]

Lol

[@Thefreshp]

I'm always surprised by how civilized and interesting people are on Facebook. I have 2,400+ on my personal page and another 1,500+ on my FP page and only 5 people who don't see my posts. I've had to block 5 or so over the years, but I find it so engaging and insightful and respectful. Even with all of those people, so I truly believe that social media is what you make it or maybe more so is what your friends make it. I'm a total political idiot on Facebook, but I love it for how easy it is to learn of information immediately by following your favorite writers/activist/journalists/________fill in the blank. There's no other information outlet quite like it.

[@turnersparadise8368]

FRESH PRINCESS Well certainly it amounts to what comes across on your wall thingy. Guess I just hang out in the wrong part of town...I fell the same about Twitter. Just people screaming for attention. They should lock the Twitter account of any serving politician never mind you know who...

[@kf4dcy501]

do judgements matter? because if you don't think or feel my opinions fit your lifestyle. then it doesn't matter. the only time a judgement matters, is one issued by a judge. I make many opinions when they arise. and I act on them, as I will or won't.

[@sherthom5672]

Why would you tell your husband that you don't want to hear his opinion? Even if you don't agree with it, isn't hearing your spouse part of a marriage.

[@Thefreshp]

Laughing. I know, I know, that sounds totally awful. And I can't just say, that you don't know my husband, because that doesn't explain anything. I can summarize it by saying that I have all sorts of ideas, theorize out loud, think out loud, like things that he doesn't, push him in ways that he doesn't often want to go. So I continually deflect all of his opinions on why such and such isn't a good idea, why I don't really want X, why he would do X differently, etc. I'm not opposed to his ideas, as he has a kind of brilliance that I don't posses, but I don't continually tell him why he shouldn't do what he wants to do or how he should do it. If he wants something, I try to find ways to support him in his endeavors. I would like that same courtesy some of the time. It's exhausting for me to be with a very opinionated person and maybe it's just my personality but sometimes I'm not looking for an opinion or a fix, I'm looking for understanding, collaboration.

[@sherthom5672]

FRESH PRINCESS Ah, I understand... a rare man indeed who can hold his opinion and instead just listen and be supportive no matter how crazy my ideas are. I do want to hear my man's opinion whether I agree or not... it's important that I know who I'm climbing into bed with and whether I need to divorce him in the morning.

[@Thefreshp]

+Sher Thom ha!

[@ScottWorthington]

Opinions are like a**holes. Everybody has one and everybody's but mine stinks. (Mine smells like roses. Or chocolate.😃)

[@diggerdudeable]

I just judged every one of the books behind and beside you. My opinion is you should change the covers.. :)

[@Thefreshp]

Hopefully you could see Work, Sex & Money, my hope is that that one redeemed me. This is my inner sanctum, all the stuff not fit for polite company gets stashed away in here. Lots to judge here.

[@sueleigh1018]

: ) True! ♡

[@jennifercarlton670]

i don't know but i cant wait to listen to his teachings in person !!!! . . . .id suspect God would say your splitting hairs on this subject. .. Based on my judgment they are one of the same, and that's just my opinion. . . God gave us the ability to discern and to think . So whatever situation your in (driving in car= could be dangerous, OR sitting at home gossiping over cup of tea = not dangerous) we have the ability to problem solve, contemplate, and make assumptions even tho it may all be conjecture . . . . .one thing is for sure: speaking ill of someone is very destructive and another thing that's for sure is what Jesus said: we are to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls. . ..also we are to love one another as we love ourselves . .(definition of love is in 1corinthians 13) so i guess what im trying to say is :: I can disagree with your views without judging you( or forming an opinion) And i can disapprove of what you do and still have love for you! . . . . .lets leave the judging to the courts(and of coarse our Lord and Savior) and the opinions to everybody else because unlike a judgment an opinion can be CHANGED .

[@Thefreshp]

+Jennifer Philipchuk thank Hod we were given the gift of discernment. My God isn't afraid of those who think.

[@Thefreshp]

+Jennifer Philipchuk beautiful.

[@jennifercarlton670]

FRESH PRINCESS God has given us free will and is certainly not afraid of those who think cause God GAVE us the ability to think and discern and decide for ourselves whether we should follow this fallen world and its teachings that lead to destruction(the devil dosn't care if you follow him, just as long as you dont follow the one true God of the Bible). OR whether we should follow what the WORD OF GOD says and the true message that the Holy Bible makes apparent . . .btw the Bible has never been proven wrong . .just watch Kent Hovind creation seminars on you tube. .it'll blow your mind about current science and theories that are based on falsies

[@jennifercarlton670]

I feel genuine love for you and want to see you in heaven. . . accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and everything will be crystal clear!!

[@Thefreshp]

I was born a Christian, I'm very familiar with the teachings. Thank you for sharing your Truth.

[@velvanae]

Opinion, I think that this blouse would look better with that skirt. Judgement, You're not going to wear THAT blouse with that skirt are you? It is a difference in wording, tone it is said, and many other things. No they are not the same. Words are powerful, they can be used to help or hinder you .

[@Thefreshp]

I think that's a bear coming after me. THAT"S A BEAR coming after me! Good judgement is crucial.

[@Zerkbern]

Rumi. You like him, right?

[@Thefreshp]

+Zerkbern he's buried in my soul.

[@vancortrichards4514]

wow ! you come across quite riotous,sprinkled with fairydust!

[@timsams9267]

Are you trying to say all judgement is opinion hardened by pride? Could it not be opinion hardened by other things such as love,experience, fear, faith, truth ect.? To say it is only by pride, seems very judgmental. ;0)

[@Thefreshp]

Ha! Some judgement is vital to survival, so no, I didn't say ALL judgement.

[@toddboboz7894]

if you want to lighten your judgments lessen your morality

[@Thefreshp]

So judging others makes one more moral? Oooh, so THAT's been my problem. Judging others makes me MORE moral, not less. Got it.

[@jennifercarlton670]

what would Jesus say about this.? . . .hmm

[@Thefreshp]

I don't know, tell me.

[@jennifercarlton670]

i don't know but i cant wait to listen to his teachings in person !!!! . . . .id suspect God would say your splitting hairs on this subject. .. Based on my judgment they are one of the same, and that's just my opinion. . . God gave us the ability to discern and to think . So whatever situation your in (driving in car= could be dangerous, OR sitting at home gossiping over cup of tea = not dangerous) we have the ability to problem solve, contemplate, and make assumptions even tho it may all be conjecture . . . . .one thing is for sure: speaking ill of someone is very destructive and another thing that's for sure is what Jesus said: we are to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls. . ..also we are to love one another as we love ourselves . .(definition of love is in 1corinthians 13) so i guess what im trying to say is :: I can disagree with your views without judging you( or forming an opinion) And i can disapprove of what you do and still have love for you! . . . . .lets leave the judging to the courts(and of coarse our Lord and Savior) and the opinions to everybody else because unlike a judgment an opinion can be CHANGED .