What is the difference between an opinion and an argument, and which one helps us better understand the past?

An opinion is usually defined as a belief or view held by an individual. It can be formed by or based upon virtually anything, and an opinion is not necessarily based upon what is true, accurate or informed. This is in stark contrast to an argument. The most important distinction is that an argument is a coherent, logical set of reasons that support an overall judgement or assessment. How convincing an argument is is dependent on how closely the various components of the argument support the overall position being presented. A good or convincing argument might, for example, present evidence clearly and coherently to help illustrate the point being made. The study of history is all about argument. Historians interrogate historical evidence in order to build as comprehensive and convincing interpretation of the past. Doing this produces an argument as to what the best way of understanding a particular historical issue. Different historians, naturally, produce different arguments. By assessing the merits of the various arguments that are offered, a student of history can gain a more nuanced understanding of the past.