Return-Path: Message-Id: <9109181202.AA08664@relay1.UU.NET> Date: Wed Sep 18 13:29:57 1991 Reply-To: Logical Language Group Sender: Lojban list From: Logical Language Group Subject: Re: Opinion vs. belief X-To: gilson%61510.decnet%CCF3.NRL.NAVY.MIL@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU X-Cc: lojban@cuvmb.cc.columbia.edu To: John Cowan , List Reader Status: RO X-From-Space-Date: Wed Sep 18 13:29:57 1991 X-From-Space-Address: cbmvax!uunet!cuvma.bitnet!LOJBAN Two differences. The belief attitudinal expr{sses an emotional attitude towards the main claim. The opini]ion p marker pe'i is of the family of "evidentials" indicating the reason whereby the speaker came to say the statement (as contrasted with hearsay, logical conclusion, revelation from God, etc.) So the metalingustic information is different. I also seem somedifference between the concept of belief and opinion. I usually form opinions after thinking something out, on some semi-rational basis. I can believe something without emotionally or ratioally analyzing it. Thus I beieve in God, but I would have trouble saying that I hold any opinions about God, because I don;t feel I have information or mental cpaacity to form an 'opinion'. lojbab