3 ms·

I thought so too, but recently so many people dropped or adapted their core beliefs to be able to support and defend people in power that they really love that

by kubb 2y ago

I thought so too, but recently so many people dropped or adapted their core beliefs to be able to support and defend people in power that they really love that it made me change my mind. Now I think that value systems are malleable and are formed by whatever makes us feel good. And the logical consistency on top is very optional.

FloorEgg 2y ago
Or maybe these people you speak up assume that the people in power have values aligned with their own, and if there was an unbiased system that highlights value discrepancies using formal logic, they might not "love" those people as much anymore. What I assume you might be missing is that you are looking at the world through a different lens than these other people. Both you and they are consuming propaganda and can't detect it as propaganda because it aligns with your values. However it subtly nudges your values in a direction over time. I agree that people's values and core beliefs are malleable, but in the same way a tree trunk is. It may seem like these people have changed a lot and you haven't, but I think it's more likely that you've changed too, and that they've changed less than you think. No one is immune to propaganda, which is why anything that can help disarm it interests me.
- kubb 2y ago
  You touched on many points, but one thing to consider: people seek out information that confirms their worldview and actively protect themselves against anything that can harm their feelings for their idols. John Doe isn’t trained in logic and can adjust any of his premises if it means he can continue to admire his favorite celebrity. It’s a combination of flawed reasoning and premise flexibility. Not to mention, any fact can be endlessly challenged and questioned even if it’s agreed upon and largely incontestable.

3 ms·

I thought so too, but recently so many people dropped or adapted their core beliefs to be able to support and defend people in power that they really love that

by kubb 2y ago

FloorEgg 2y ago
Or maybe these people you speak up assume that the people in power have values aligned with their own, and if there was an unbiased system that highlights value discrepancies using formal logic, they might not "love" those people as much anymore. What I assume you might be missing is that you are looking at the world through a different lens than these other people. Both you and they are consuming propaganda and can't detect it as propaganda because it aligns with your values. However it subtly nudges your values in a direction over time. I agree that people's values and core beliefs are malleable, but in the same way a tree trunk is. It may seem like these people have changed a lot and you haven't, but I think it's more likely that you've changed too, and that they've changed less than you think. No one is immune to propaganda, which is why anything that can help disarm it interests me.
- kubb 2y ago
  You touched on many points, but one thing to consider: people seek out information that confirms their worldview and actively protect themselves against anything that can harm their feelings for their idols. John Doe isn’t trained in logic and can adjust any of his premises if it means he can continue to admire his favorite celebrity. It’s a combination of flawed reasoning and premise flexibility. Not to mention, any fact can be endlessly challenged and questioned even if it’s agreed upon and largely incontestable.