I loved this and wanted to vote "more speculativer posts," but hit the wrong button by accident. So be aware that's my real vote. Empirical reporting is fine and of course it's always nice if you care to include specific references or influences for any current speculation (like someone you read that inspired these latest thoughts), but empirical reporting will always be limited by the imperfect social science methods for gathering and interpreting data. I think thoughtful analysis and armchair theorizing built in years of experience is underrated as a resource.
You might be interested in Ashley St. Clair's recent appearances on left-wing podcasts detailing her moral awakening and eventual escape from the cult of MAGA (she had a child with Elon Musk and was once a very active spokesperson for their propaganda machine). "Gradually and then all at once" is exactly the phrase she used for her own evolution. It's fascinating to hear her reflect on the transformation. Check out Don Lemon and the Left Hook interview:
Also meant to say thoughtful armchair analysis can count as a legitimate (if partial) *epistemic* resource. The true meaning and implications of most empirical studies are far more contingent and ambiguous than some would have us believe.
I went in a little skeptical of St. Clair's motives, but found her surprisingly credible and relatable.
of course, if one has a full account of belief change it can also admit to people switching into beliefs, as well as out of them, and from left to right as well as right to left politically
I loved this and wanted to vote "more speculativer posts," but hit the wrong button by accident. So be aware that's my real vote. Empirical reporting is fine and of course it's always nice if you care to include specific references or influences for any current speculation (like someone you read that inspired these latest thoughts), but empirical reporting will always be limited by the imperfect social science methods for gathering and interpreting data. I think thoughtful analysis and armchair theorizing built in years of experience is underrated as a resource.
You might be interested in Ashley St. Clair's recent appearances on left-wing podcasts detailing her moral awakening and eventual escape from the cult of MAGA (she had a child with Elon Musk and was once a very active spokesperson for their propaganda machine). "Gradually and then all at once" is exactly the phrase she used for her own evolution. It's fascinating to hear her reflect on the transformation. Check out Don Lemon and the Left Hook interview:
https://substack.com/@thelefthook/note/p-200634230?r=i8h7
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tjHzzPTBIyTKHkpPcY83E?si=KICAeRAaSiCIwi1GQtR8VQ
P.S. sorry about all the typos!
I am in no position to judge that! Thanks for the generous words, and I'm looking forward to following up those links
Also meant to say thoughtful armchair analysis can count as a legitimate (if partial) *epistemic* resource. The true meaning and implications of most empirical studies are far more contingent and ambiguous than some would have us believe.
I went in a little skeptical of St. Clair's motives, but found her surprisingly credible and relatable.
I'm hoping this will happen to belief in both Trump and the Republican Party. Only seeing the very gradual bit so far,
Hoping we will see this kind of change among "mainstream" believers in the Republican Party. No sign as yet
of course, if one has a full account of belief change it can also admit to people switching into beliefs, as well as out of them, and from left to right as well as right to left politically