realistic

THE OPINION

The first, and lowest, order of thought is an opinion in which one
forms a thought based on what one hears, perceives, or imagines.
Opinions have little relation to fact except by improbable
coincidence. An opinion can be completely spurious. It is based on
what we "feel" about a subject. Once something is a fact, it is
usually no longer considered an opinion. We must get away from
allowing opinions to rule us.

The second order of thought is speculation in which incomplete and
inadequate information is available. Significant reaction, if
possible, should remain on "hold". There are situations of
exceptional emergency in which one must act before all the pertinent
information can be ascertained. To save the life of a person trapped
in a burning automobile one must rush to the car and haul out the
victim before one knows how close the fire is to the fuel tank.
Available time in an emergency may limit the order of thought on which
we act. But for the most part, we usually have time to reflect and
promote a better understanding of a question.

The third order of thought is knowledge in which one's ideas are based
on verified facts. To establish a verified fact it must be
repeatable. That is to say that any person who would follow a
procedure to examine the evidence would find the same conclusion.
Furthermore, it must be reliable. That is to say that all people
considering the same evidence would see the same results, everywhere.
Finally, the fact must be consistent with everything else that we
know. We must establish that we are not experiencing an illusion:
what we are studying is valid. We must be able to use the fact and
see it work. If these three criteria, repeatability, reliability and
validity, are established, we may be fairly assured that we are
dealing with a fact that is qualified to become a part of our
knowledge.

The fourth order of thought is understanding in which one has learned
how the facts are inter-related, especially in a constructive form.
With understanding we may manipulate our knowledge with confidence,
even though we may be dealing with dangerous material. Understanding
is usually linked with experience. Experience entails the
repeatability, reliability, and consistency of any subject. The
understanding of electricity is a case in point. One cannot watch men
working with high-voltage live wires without appreciating the
understanding they have for the subject. Experience has minimized
their fear.

The fifth order of thought is idealistic creativity in which one may
draw on one's knowledge and understanding to foresee the best
consequences and make innovative construction effective. In every
instance this is the result of hard work and some artistic qualities.
If the result is reliable, used repeatedly, and is deemed to be valid,
it becomes knowledge from which others can gain greater understanding.
Opinion polls are big business and their results often influence
important policy. There may be some degree of understanding which is
measured in these polls, but it's influence is doubtful. Opinion poll
results change quickly and are unreliable. Even opinions of people of
the highest caliber, who are not focused on a subject, are suspect.
It would benefit everyone to learn the ideas of those who have given
measured consideration to a subject and are clear about the nature and
organization of their thoughts.

RFHall
realistic idealism
philosophy based on evidence, not opinion