> Most peoples' conclusions are based on some kind of logical deduction. Where people differ is the fundamental "beliefs" which are treated axiomatically (taken

> Most peoples' conclusions are based on some kind of logical deduction. Where people differ is the fundamental "beliefs" which are treated axiomatically (taken on faith) on which the logical superstructure is built. This doesn’t align very well with my observations. I can’t read minds so I don’t truly know anyone else’s beliefs. However, to the extent that I can infer possible beliefs from behavior, deductive or any other form of dialectic reasoning doesn’t appear to play much of a role. Social proof and other such phenomena appear to dominate belief formation. I’ve found that an honest and rigorous examination of one’s own beliefs reveals that they are predominantly held for emotional reasons. Often it’s as simple as avoiding the emotional discomfort of being shunned for deviating from whatever your group’s particular dogma is.