One of the most difficult activities and practices of life has been resolving the problem of difference of opinion. I have been trying to give it some concrete framework of solution but was never successful. I still don't know, what is the best way to resolve a difference of opinion. Opinion refers to a man's outlook or personal judgment about a particular thing. But, if over the years the personal judgment is manipulated and falsified by some agents, the opinion is changed. The most important thing here is that one still feels one is right. That is the basis of difference of opinion occurring in our day to day lives. But how are we going to let one know that his/her opinion is different and wrong as far our ideals are concerned. In my experience you will have a difference of opinion only when you argue with a person who is not worthy of you argument. More so, when the other person thinks that you are not worthy of it.

There are two ways for reducing the difference of opinion conundrum. If the intentions of each of the characters engaging in the discussion are clearly understood then they can be rationally evaluated. Upon rational evaluation it is clear whose opinion is correct. One important catch here is that, opinion is an entity pertaining to the human mind, which is completely engulfed by the feature of "values". Separation of the fact from values becomes a separate discussion in this context. Sometimes the difference is on the value itself. Hence it again becomes an unsolved mystery that cannot be solve being within the realms of worldly knowledge. Many an thinker have clearly described that by arguing with a fool we are not elevating him but degrading ourselves to his level. This idea can be attributed to the likenesses of Socrates, Aristotle and Kautilya. There was once an argument between two persons, over the meaning of a word. The only way here seems is to look where a particular discussion is leading to and avoid it if it is culminate into a difference of opinion. This is because on simple characteristic of difference of opinion is that both the parties are right. This way there will never be integration of solidarity or the synthesis of ideas in the words of Mary Parker Follet. For those who don't know, she was a management thinker.

Finally, based on various experiences one undergoes during his course of life, one must learn the art of leading a discussion and if felt that it is leading to a difference of opinion then it must abruptly stopped. Also one must learn to understand the fact that as the discussion progresses whether the content matter is really a subject of discussion or it is just an exhibit of value laden opinions. As the value factor of the subject matter increase the worthiness of the discussion decreases. This goes very well in case of students and teachers. We are taught to respect our teachers because they have learned to being that way with years of experience. So, even if the teacher is not so good at convincing a student, that does not mean the teacher is wrong or unworthy of pedagogy. It is in the interests of the teacher and the student that the student understands the content of whatever the teacher is to say.

Thus I would conclude my essay saying that, the difference of opinion once established is very difficult to be resolved and hence at all times be avoided when the worthiness of the discussion not clearly defined.

Article Contribute by Bharat

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written by Pavalamani Pragasam, December 16, 2009

Differences of opinion are unavoidable, esp. in internet forums where people with different beliefs, preferences, backgrounds and loyalties meet and discuss. At times there is no decent/refined/cultured ending than withdrawing with this simple comment:Let us agree to disagree agreeably! It is an art to be cultivated!

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written by Santosh, December 16, 2009

There are a lot of grey areas in life where experiences differ as also the conclusion. Difference of opinion is hence inevitable, importance lies in how you conduct yourself on such occasions and how much of learnings you add on.

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written by IdleMind, December 24, 2009

Differences in human perception will always remain, it needs to be seen how they are perceived. Values and ethics may work, but most of the time they are social, traditional and related factors. Varied opinions strengthen a debate ... it is also important to highlight the credible points from each string of thought, rather than putting the foot down on it.

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