Fact Belief Opinion

Does one have more importance over the other?  I am pondering this due to several discussions with people I respect whose views differ from mine. 

I am predominantly a fact-based person.  Wherever possible I read, research and review all I can to discern as factually as possible what is accurate, socially, politically etc. 

In contrast I have friends who have beliefs that are far different than mine in selected areas.  I try not to challenge beliefs as they are typically based upon a conviction founded on a cultural or faith-based value.

Then I come across opinions.  These I differentiate from beliefs because they often offer a “solution” through a viewpoint neither based on facts or evidence but “just because”.  An example might be: “The fentanyl crisis is directly related to the stream of illegal immigrants coming though the southern border.”

I struggle with opinions like this because the facts don’t support the opinion and often contradict them.  But worse, when presented with the facts, and with multiple sources provided the opinion doesn’t change.  There isn’t even the inclination to change.  For me – as a fact-based individual – I find this disconcerting.

My wife and I imbued upon our children the premise: “If you cannot defend your position without ‘just because’ then you need to rethink it.”  I am pleased they all have open and inquisitive minds.  And they will each defend their positions until someone can present them with a factual counterpoint.

I give Belief and facts equal rank because often there is no fact to counter the belief.  There may be opinion – but seldom fact.  But of late opinions seem to have risen in society’s esteem.  That they carry the weight of fact and perhaps supersede it.  That concerns me.  When people make decisions on opinion and ignore the facts, when ‘just because’ trumps proof/evidence, it opens the door to a society more easily swayed by flash versus substance.  Society has advanced not on opinion but on facts.  Buildings are structurally sound because in someone’s opinion it should be.  Planes don’t fly because of an opinion.  These things that enrich our society are not because of opinion but due to facts and concepts based upon facts.  Facts should be non-biased.  Decisions based upon facts will hopefully be non-biased as well.

Sorry – I just needed to vent.  I have had too many discussions of late with people who feel their opinion is of more value than facts presented.  Or they call them fake facts and questionable – even when from multiple sources conservative or liberal. 
As I said – sorry just needed to vent.