Final answer:
Forming a baseless opinion against somebody often involves logical fallacies like ad hominem or bandwagon fallacies. Utilizing critical thinking to evaluate arguments based on their merits rather than the characteristics of the individual making them, helps avoid testimonial injustice and maintains objective judgment.
Step-by-step explanation:
To form an opinion against anybody baselessly often involves a logical fallacy called an ad hominem attack. This is a deceptive argumentative strategy where the speaker attacks the person making an argument rather than the argument itself. By focusing on the individual's characteristics or behavior, the speaker attempts to invalidate their position without addressing the actual substance of their argument. A related fallacy is the bandwagon fallacy, where one might be persuaded to agree with a position simply because it is popular or because 'everyone else' believes it. However, popularity does not equate to correctness.
Testimonial injustice occurs when prejudice causes a listener to give a deflated level of credibility to a speaker’s word. For example, when someone's opinions are dismissed based on superficial reasons such as their appearance or clothing, it represents an unfair treatment of their arguments. Accusations of being a "traitor" or a "liar" without evidence are ways to vilify a person and manipulate an audience through emotion rather than factual debate.
It is crucial to exercise critical thinking and not allow emotions to cloud our judgment. When evaluating arguments, we should consider the expertise of the individual making the claim, potential biases, the evidence supporting the claim, and what other informed individuals think about it. By avoiding these fallacies and focusing on the claims themselves, we can maintain objectivity and a stance of healthy skepticism.