Does the author self-declare their philosophical and political beliefs?
In my view, doing so is necessary for an author to be intellectually honest and open.
Generally speaking, I'm not looking for an author to 'sneak in' a belief by way of a good narrative.
I've read similar commentary by a socially conservative author writing under a pen name (Theodore Dalyrimple) [1]. He wrote a highly selective account that matched his beliefs. It is one thing to so this -- it is another thing to try to hide the underlying belief system which preceded the commentary.
The argument should be true, or not, whatever the author's leanings. Why would you find an argument more or less convincing were the arguer to label themselves?
Putting authors into a box is the opposite of any intellectual or philosophical approach. Why would you even believe that? That would intentionally numb your understanding of any statement. If you need that box to evaluate those, intellectual approaches might not be too suitable.
In my view, doing so is necessary for an author to be intellectually honest and open.
Generally speaking, I'm not looking for an author to 'sneak in' a belief by way of a good narrative.
I've read similar commentary by a socially conservative author writing under a pen name (Theodore Dalyrimple) [1]. He wrote a highly selective account that matched his beliefs. It is one thing to so this -- it is another thing to try to hide the underlying belief system which preceded the commentary.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Dalrymple