Junketsu said:
Dr. Javelin said:
the only thing this proves though is that i can't change my opinions instantly. it doesn't prove that i can't
I don't think the argument is that opinions can't change. I think it's similar to sexuality. You're either attracted to someone of the same sex or you're not. You don't make a conscious decision to be attracted to either. Similarly, you either believe (in) something or you don't.
No, I think opinions, once they're formed and maintained, are very hard to change. It's possible to convince otherwise, but it's near impossible. You can't convince me to accept most conservative beliefs, for instance, not even a little bit. I might consider them, but I'll find reasons to reject them. Opinions can still change, however, unlike sexuality. I was once undecided about the death penalty because I thought life in prison without parole is more expensive (you have to take care of them), but I didn't know about the process of death row, and that the methods employed are much more expensive, from the technology, to the paperwork, and the emotions and psychology of everyone involved. Now, don't argue about my viewpoints; this isn't the right topic; I'm providing just an example of how opinions can be changed.
Let me know if my response was out of context.