GTC Biotherapeutics (fka GTCB)

[valueHunter]

'belief' versus 'opinion'

Many people of science are uncomfortable using the term 'belief', and with good reason. Also, the term 'opinion' need not imply 'non-objectivity'... see the following definition (from http://www.sussex.ac.uk/languages/1-6-8-2-2.html ):

"Opinion, in academic terms, is the judgement or viewpoint reached after analysing, assessing and evaluating arguments, claims and evidence. Academic opinion is objective, like that of a judge who weighs the evidence (for and against) and judges each case on its merits. (Personal opinion which is based on beliefs or codes of ethics, rather than evidence, is not acceptable in academic terms as it cannot be tested in the same way.)"

Also, remember that Cox is British - so his choice of words is probably more reserved in general due to cultural influences. So he will say 'opinion' where GW Bush would say that you either believe GTC is the low cost provider or you're against us.

To be funny, one could write a thesis on the choice between those words, but my point is that it's ridiculous to put so much thought into the exact word that was used. This isn't a Bernanke testimony or FOMC minutes after all. Put down the tea leaves and pull out a calculator.

vH