Do people choose their political opinions before or after assessing reasons?

[Ingraham Effingham]

It seems that many people align themselves with a "side" first and adopt its positions, THEN come up with arguments supporting those positions. Is this true? And is it more prevalent in any particular party/doctrine?

[Manic Impressive]

I completely agree. I think it is more prevalent among tendencies which are most removed from Marxism I won't name them as I'm sure most people will get what I mean and I don't want to come across as sectarian. But as far as I know every party and doctrine has deviated at least a little as they should do due to the ever changing political and societal challenges that we face, but those that are burdened by having to defend failed regimes have their judgement clouded by it and therefore do not come to scientific conclusions.

[The Dark Side of the Moon]

very true. some people(like me) do that

[ComradePonov]

I believe that is a correct characterization, but not entirely.

I was personally persuaded to read leftist writings after one of my colleagues was fired because the profits margins were getting too "uncomfortable".


It was not until after this that I actually started reading leftist works.

[∞]

I used to do that. Forget the flags, marches and music. Do what you feel is best.

[#FF0000]

very true. some people(like me) do that

that's a bad thing to do and you should stop it.

[CommunityBeliever]

The main ideology that I am devouted to is communism, and perhaps I overlook some of our downfalls, I accept that. The capitalists on the other hand are daily partaking in the destruction of homes, the environment, and all of humanities wealth. The destructive forces of capitalism may lead us towards a new stone age if nobody does anything about it first.

[pax et aequalitas]

Not for me. I have had the ideas I have for some time before I realized that it was actually what anarchism, communism and pacifism are. In my mind it already had formed more or less like that, but wasn't aware of what it was called.

[Black Sheep]

Ultimately you're forced to, as action is a very important part of theory, it complements it and corrects it.
You can't engage in action alone, you need to join a group for that.
So best an algorithm for that is:

1-read up basic stuff (how much? it's your choice) and then
2-join a group you agree with.
3-Keep reading, learn from action
4-re-evaluate theory and personal political philosophy
5-GOTO (2)

[Reznov]

It seems that many people align themselves with a "side" first and adopt its positions, THEN come up with arguments supporting those positions. Is this true? And is it more prevalent in any particular party/doctrine?

Always the case imo. People usually go with what they think/heard/feel is comfortable to them, and then often once they start becoming more aware, you seem them switch their tendencies.

For everything in life, not just political.

[Desperado]

Schopenhauer's pessimism. But you seem accept that reason exists, so just try some extensive self-criticism and see if you stay where you are.