> Presumably they heard a convincing argument at one point and accepted that - but then later changed their standards to not accept convincing arguments No, ma

> Presumably they heard a convincing argument at one point and accepted that - but then later changed their standards to not accept convincing arguments No, many people base their views on what their friends thinks, they never reasoned themselves into it. It is rational to base your beliefs on your friends, and to keep those beliefs to ensure you can continue to fit in with your friends. That is less work and less risky than changing your mind, only few really go against the grain and try to think for themselves, it isn't helping them but some people has to do that for the benefit of our pack.