Generally I only remember the cause of my dispositions if I feel it’s important in itself. In the case of something like political beliefs I have a commitment to throwing out anything I can’t justify through verbal reasoning and reference to fundamental values. With likes and dislikes—from those fundamental values to flavors of ice cream—I don’t consider the path that got me there particularly important.
Sometimes I need the justification for ulterior or social reasons. It doesn’t particularly matter to me why I like the people I happen to like, but I try to examine them at least enough that I can give them substantive compliments when appropriate, even if this examination doesn’t come naturally to me. Cynically, most “debate topics” are like this—you need the justificatory reasoning in order to engage in cocktail conversations.
All the time.
Generally I only remember the cause of my dispositions if I feel it’s important in itself. In the case of something like political beliefs I have a commitment to throwing out anything I can’t justify through verbal reasoning and reference to fundamental values. With likes and dislikes—from those fundamental values to flavors of ice cream—I don’t consider the path that got me there particularly important.
Sometimes I need the justification for ulterior or social reasons. It doesn’t particularly matter to me why I like the people I happen to like, but I try to examine them at least enough that I can give them substantive compliments when appropriate, even if this examination doesn’t come naturally to me. Cynically, most “debate topics” are like this—you need the justificatory reasoning in order to engage in cocktail conversations.