The Fact-Opinion Spectrum

Not everything falls cleanly into fact or opinion. There is a spectrum:

• Hard facts — independently verifiable: "The Earth orbits the Sun"
• Empirical claims — evidence-based but debatable: "This medication reduces symptoms in many cases"
• Informed opinions — based on evidence but involving judgment: "This policy will likely reduce crime"
• Personal opinions — preferences and values: "Democracy is the best form of government"
• Pure preferences — no argument possible: "I prefer blue to red"