Walter Benjamin: 'Opinions are a private matter. The public has an interest only in judgments.'

Opinions are a private matter. The public has an interest only in judgments.

In his quote, Walter Benjamin asserts that opinions are a private matter, while the public only has an interest in judgments. At first glance, this may seem like a straightforward statement indicating that our personal opinions hold little significance in the public sphere. However, when viewed through a philosophical lens, this quote unveils a deeper exploration into the nature of perception and the dynamics of social interaction.The straightforward interpretation of Benjamin's quote suggests that opinions, being inherently subjective and varied, are more suitable for personal contemplation and self-reflection. They may lack the validity and objectivity required for public discourse, which is why the public is primarily interested in the judgments that are formed based on those opinions. The judgments, in Benjamin's view, provide a level of synthesized thought and analysis that transcends individual perspectives, making them more consequential and relevant to the public sphere.To delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that can enliven our understanding of this quote, let us introduce the notion of intersubjectivity. Intersubjectivity refers to the shared understanding and mutual agreement that develops through communication and interaction among individuals. It posits that our subjective experiences and opinions can only gain relevance and meaning when they are recognized and validated by others within society.When juxtaposed with Benjamin's quote, the concept of intersubjectivity provides a thought-provoking contrast. While Benjamin implies the importance of judgments over opinions, intersubjectivity suggests that opinions find their significance in the validation and acknowledgement they receive from others. It emphasizes the role of collective understanding and consensus-building, which goes beyond simply accepting subjective judgments.Intersubjectivity compels us to question whether judgments truly hold more weight than opinions, or if the public's interest in judgments stems from the need for social cohesion rather than inherent truth. It invites us to consider the interplay between individual perspectives and communal understanding, ultimately shifting the focus from a clear-cut separation between opinions and judgments to a more nuanced and interconnected understanding of knowledge and meaning-making.Moreover, when examining the implications of Benjamin's quote through the lens of intersubjectivity, we begin to recognize the potential societal consequences of disregarding personal opinions. While individual opinions may not always be perfectly informed or objective, they can contribute to a diverse and multifaceted public discourse. Neglecting opinions in favor of judgments alone may inadvertently limit the range of ideas and perspectives that shape our collective understanding.Therefore, while Benjamin's quote initially suggests a separation between opinions and judgments, the concept of intersubjectivity highlights the intricate relationship between the two. It reminds us that respecting and incorporating diverse opinions into our judgments can enrich our understanding and foster a more inclusive public discourse.In conclusion, Walter Benjamin's quote urges us to consider the private nature of opinions and the public's interest in judgments. Its straightforward interpretation suggests that judgments hold more relevance than individual opinions in the public sphere. However, when explored through the lens of intersubjectivity, the quote invites us to question the dynamics of knowledge formation and the balance between individual perspectives and collective understanding. By incorporating diverse opinions into our judgments, we can embrace a more inclusive and vibrant public discourse that embodies the complexities of human thought.