Informed Decisions

[RyantheLion]

When you are trying to form an opinion about something whether it be religion, polotics, or some other topic how do you go about it? Is it something that you just develop over time, do you try and get information from both sides, or do you just go with your gut instinct?

 

[chronobreak]

Um... I dunno, opinions come from certain experiences and gained knowledge about whatever it is you have an opinion on. Opinions can be gained many ways.

 

[RyantheLion]

Thats true but I guess what I'm getting at is what do you think is the best method of making a good decision. When your faced with a life changing decision I personally believe all feelings should be put aside and it should be examined very carefully. For example with polotics I have known people who pick a party or canidate by listening to stereotypes and propaganda and no actual research.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

I think about what I know, how it affects me and what I feel comfortable with then express my opinion.

 

[Emmitt_Nervend]

It all depends on what it's an opinion of. If it's something very close to you, your opinion would have been formed over time, conversely, if the topic has nothing to do with you, you'll probably need to research the issues involved before shoving your opinions down the throats of others.

I guess going with your gut would be part of the aforementioned throat shoving. :/

 

[Good morning blues]

At first, I decide what fits best with my already-decided attitudes, beliefs, and opinions. I'm always open to argument, though - if somebody has a better reason for an opposing belief, I think it's important to be open to that.

 

[Jackel86]

I make all of my decisions based on unbiased analysis of information. Sometimes that can be hard to do though, because many sources of information can already be biased. This is especially important for major issues like gay marriage (here in California). I find it repulsive how so many people let their personal biases affect their decision. My opinion on the subject is based entirely on what's fair and right. If someone disagrees with my choice, I would at least like for it to be because of facts, not feelings.

 

[crimsondynamics]

I learned a long time ago that there are always two sides to a story, and that it is important to listen to both sides, even if you don't agree with the statements.

I'll still form my personal opinion but try to keep the "two versions of the truth" in mind. Doing your own research is also essential. Both sides may tell different stories, but they may only amount to that: stories, without much evidence of fact. If fact is what you are after, the onus is on yourself to do the legwork.

Even today, I am astounded by the number of urban legends and internet myths that so many claim to be factual when the reality is they couldn't possibly be further from the truth.

 

[perfectimo]

I base my opinions around what I believe to be true or false, right or wrong. I try to have both sides of the story before I make a decision about something.

 

[Aiden Rebirth]

you look deep in you heart and... omg does it matter your opinions are yours no matter what, and no matter what they will be based on the culture you live in, and the people around you.

 

[Lord Krunk]

I like to take to take opinion from both sides, and build my own out of those.

You might notice that when a controversial topic is stated, and most Escapists make a unanimous decision, I tend to play the Devil's Advocate in order to maintain the balance in the community. After all, are we really Escapists if we conform?

I call it 'The Two-Sided Approach [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/jump/18.74802.847061]'.