What Is An Opposing Argument

What Is An Opposing Argument?Most of us have heard of what is an opinion and what is fact, but have you heard of what is an opposing argument? With so many topics that can be debated with facts at hand, it seems there are more opinions than facts to consider when debating.It does not matter how well researched your argument is, if you cannot back it up with facts, you are doomed to failure. To this end, it would be a good idea to think of yourself as the final arbiter of facts and knowledge. If you cannot stand up and defend your beliefs, why should you expect anyone else to do it for you? And if you feel that your arguments are flawed, let it be known, you are willing to debate your points, but with facts at hand, only.When it comes to a debate, either online or off, we all have an opinion about something, either strongly so or somewhat so. When confronted with evidence, whether in the form of experience or testimony, our opinions change. But the truth remains that we have only one opinion and it is best that we hold to it.However, sometimes you need to change your opinion because there are things you do not know. You will find people who will argue with you over any topic under the sun, stating what is an opinion and what is fact, and then there are those who will make judgments based on nothing other than their own opinion. Therefore, what is an opposing argument?An opposing argument is a statement by one person that they believe is factual but the fact is that someone else believes it to be incorrect. Often times, people will argue over the validity of statistics. As such, statistics are often the center of controversy. The great thing about statistics is that you can prove both sides of the argument correct, or both wrong.Another example would be saying that the statistic stated 'In fourteen states with affirmative action programs in the minority percentage of students from underrepresented groups exceeded the national average.' However, if an underreprese nted group were six percent of the student population, and that percentage was six percent in the state's affirmative action program, then the statement would be true. The right of a statement to be true, or it being correct, lies in the eyes of the beholder.One thing that should always be kept in mind when debating is what is fact, what is opinion and what is fiction. What is fact is that statistics are facts and what is opinion is that statistics can change. Fact is truth, opinion is a guidepost, and fiction is that which is unverifiable.Be careful of what you say, but be wise in how you state it. Your words do matter.