WP:NPOV

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  1. Neutral Point of View (NPOV)

Neutral Point of View (NPOV) is a fundamental principle underpinning the core policies of Wikipedia. It is arguably *the* most important guideline for editors to understand and apply. This article aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to NPOV for beginners, explaining what it means, why it’s crucial, how to achieve it, and common pitfalls to avoid. It's not about stating *your* opinion, but representing all significant viewpoints fairly and proportionately, as demonstrated by reliable sources. Understanding NPOV is key to building a collaborative, trustworthy, and informative encyclopedia.

What is NPOV?

At its core, NPOV means representing information in a way that is unbiased by advocacy for a particular perspective. It doesn't mean eliminating all points of view, but rather presenting them all *fairly* and *proportionately*. It doesn't require editors to personally agree with all viewpoints presented; it only requires them to accurately reflect what reliable sources say about those viewpoints.

Think of it as reporting what *is*, not what *should be*. It’s about describing the world as it is understood through verifiable evidence, not advocating for a specific change to the world.

NPOV is *not* the same as neutrality of *the editor*. Editors undoubtedly have opinions. The goal isn't for editors to be devoid of beliefs, but to set aside those beliefs when writing for Wikipedia. It's about neutrality of *the article*, not the editor.

Why is NPOV Important?

Several reasons make NPOV critical to Wikipedia's success:

  • **Credibility:** A biased encyclopedia is a useless encyclopedia. Readers need to trust that the information they are receiving is accurate and objective. If an article reads like a promotional piece or a personal attack, it loses credibility.
  • **Verifiability:** NPOV is intrinsically linked to verifiability. When viewpoints are presented neutrally, they can be easily verified by consulting reliable sources. Bias often obscures the underlying evidence.
  • **Respect for Readers:** Readers deserve to have all relevant perspectives presented to them so they can form their own informed opinions. Denying a viewpoint, even if you disagree with it, is disrespectful and paternalistic.
  • **Collaboration:** NPOV fosters a collaborative environment. When editors focus on representing viewpoints accurately, rather than pushing their own agendas, it reduces conflict and encourages constructive editing.
  • **Long-Term Stability:** Articles written from an NPOV are less likely to be the subject of edit wars and constant revisions. A stable article is more useful to readers.

Three Core Aspects of NPOV

NPOV isn’t a single rule but a constellation of principles. Understanding these three core aspects is crucial:

1. **Representing All Significant Viewpoints:** An article should include all major viewpoints on a topic that have been presented by reliable sources. This doesn't mean giving equal weight to *every* viewpoint, but acknowledging their existence and explaining them accurately. For example, when discussing climate change, an article must represent the scientific consensus while also acknowledging (and thoroughly explaining the limitations of) skeptical viewpoints, *as presented in reliable sources*. Ignoring significant viewpoints creates bias.

2. **Proportionality (Weighting):** Viewpoints should be presented in proportion to their prominence in reliable sources. The more widely accepted a viewpoint is, the more space it should receive. Fringe theories or minority opinions should be presented with appropriate caveats, acknowledging their lack of widespread acceptance. This is often described as "due weight." Giving undue weight to a fringe theory can mislead readers. Consider the concept of market capitalization in finance; larger companies receive more attention in financial reporting due to their significance. Similarly, dominant viewpoints deserve more prominence in Wikipedia articles.

3. **Attribution:** All viewpoints should be clearly attributed to their source. Avoid presenting opinions as facts. Use phrases like "According to [Source]," "X argues that," or "Y believes that." This clarifies *who* holds the viewpoint, allowing readers to assess its credibility and context. Attribution is vital for transparency and avoids the appearance of endorsing a particular viewpoint. Think of it like citing your sources in academic writing.

Achieving NPOV in Practice

Here are some practical strategies for writing from an NPOV:

  • **Rely on Reliable Sources:** The foundation of NPOV is strong sourcing. Use high-quality, reputable sources such as academic journals, books from established publishers, and credible news organizations. Avoid self-published sources, blogs, and websites with a clear bias. Consider the Sharpe Ratio as an example; it’s a widely accepted metric derived from reliable financial analysis, making it suitable for inclusion in a finance-related article.
  • **Use Neutral Language:** Avoid loaded language, emotional appeals, and subjective adjectives. Strive for objective and factual descriptions. Instead of saying "a disastrous policy," say "a policy that resulted in X, Y, and Z." Avoid terms like "obviously," "clearly," or "undoubtedly."
  • **Present Multiple Perspectives:** Actively seek out and include different viewpoints, even those you disagree with. Present each viewpoint fairly and accurately, without dismissing it out of hand. Look for sources that represent opposing arguments.
  • **Avoid Original Research:** Wikipedia is not a place to publish your own opinions or interpretations. All content must be based on verifiable sources. Don't attempt to synthesize new conclusions from existing sources; simply report what the sources say. This relates to the principle of no original research.
  • **Attribute Claims:** Clearly attribute all claims to their sources. Use footnotes and citations to provide evidence for your statements. This builds trust and allows readers to verify the information.
  • **Write from a Factual Stance:** Focus on verifiable facts and evidence. Avoid speculation, conjecture, or unsubstantiated claims. Consider using data and statistics to support your statements. For example, using moving averages in a technical analysis article demonstrates a factual, data-driven approach.
  • **Focus on *What* is Said, Not *What Should Be* Said:** Don’t editorialize or offer your own opinions on the topic. Stick to reporting what reliable sources say about the topic.
  • **Be Aware of Your Own Bias:** Everyone has biases. Be aware of your own preconceived notions and actively work to counteract them. Ask yourself if you are presenting all viewpoints fairly and proportionally.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Several common mistakes can undermine NPOV:

  • **Advocacy:** Writing in a way that promotes a particular viewpoint is a clear violation of NPOV. Avoid using language that suggests you are trying to persuade readers.
  • **Cherry-Picking:** Selecting only sources that support your viewpoint and ignoring those that contradict it is a form of bias. Present a balanced range of sources. This is akin to selectively using data points to support a specific trading strategy while ignoring unfavorable results.
  • **False Balance:** Giving equal weight to all viewpoints, even if one is overwhelmingly supported by evidence and the other is fringe, creates a false impression. Weight viewpoints proportionally to their prominence in reliable sources.
  • **Weasel Words:** Using vague and ambiguous language to avoid taking a clear position can be misleading. Be precise and specific in your writing. Terms like "some people say" or "it is believed" without attribution are often problematic.
  • **Tone:** Using a sarcastic, dismissive, or inflammatory tone can undermine NPOV. Strive for a neutral and respectful tone.
  • **Lack of Attribution:** Presenting claims without attributing them to a source creates the impression that they are facts, even if they are opinions.
  • **Ignoring Reliable Sources:** Failing to acknowledge and address significant viewpoints presented in reliable sources is a major breach of NPOV.
  • **Presenting Opinions as Facts:** A common mistake is to state an opinion as if it were a universally accepted truth. Always attribute opinions to their source.
  • **Using Subjective Language:** Employing adjectives that convey personal feelings or judgments can compromise neutrality. Opt for objective descriptions.
  • **Focusing on Negative Aspects of One Side:** Highlighting only the drawbacks of one perspective while ignoring those of others creates a biased portrayal.

Dealing with Disputes

Disagreements about NPOV are common on Wikipedia. Here's how to handle them:

  • **Discuss:** Engage in a constructive discussion with the other editor(s) on the article's talk page. Explain your concerns and listen to their perspectives.
  • **Focus on Sources:** Base your arguments on reliable sources. Provide citations to support your claims.
  • **Seek Mediation:** If you cannot reach a consensus through discussion, consider seeking mediation from a neutral third party. Wikipedia:Dispute resolution provides resources for resolving disputes.
  • **Edit Warring is Prohibited:** Repeatedly reverting edits without attempting to reach consensus is considered edit warring and can result in sanctions.
  • **Request for Comment (RFC):** If a dispute is particularly complex or contentious, you can request input from the wider community through an RFC.

NPOV and Specific Article Types

NPOV applies to all Wikipedia articles, but its implementation may vary depending on the article type.

  • **Biographical Articles:** Biographies should present a neutral portrayal of the subject's life, accomplishments, and controversies, based on reliable sources. Avoid hagiography or character assassination.
  • **Historical Articles:** Historical articles should present a balanced account of events, acknowledging different interpretations and perspectives.
  • **Scientific Articles:** Scientific articles should present the scientific consensus on a topic, while also acknowledging dissenting viewpoints (as presented in reliable sources).
  • **Political Articles:** Political articles require particular attention to NPOV, as they are often subject to intense scrutiny and debate. Present all significant political viewpoints fairly and proportionally. Consider the impact of interest rate hikes on political sentiment, a topic requiring neutral representation.
  • **Articles on Controversial Topics:** Articles on controversial topics require extra care to ensure NPOV. Be especially diligent in sourcing and attribution.

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