Philosophy Belief Articles Flashcards
Clifford’s thesis
It is wrong at all times, in all places, for any person to believe anything upon insufficient evidence
Clifford’s supporting arguments
Powerful people influence people below them
Simple people influence friends and family
If you get in the habit of believing, you’ll be lead down a bad path. Gullibility
You should question everything, no excuses
If a guilty person isn’t caught, are they still guilty? yes
gossip/slander/rumour is wrong
Clifford’s Rebuttals
You have to trust some people with simple things
Being overly skeptical makes you a negative person
James’ thesis
belief does not require evidence, especially religious faith
Forced option requires choice, whereas unforced option allows suspension of choice
James’ supporting arguments
It can be rational to have faith in your own ability to completely a task from confidence
Religious faith can also be rational, even if one lacks evidence at the time
We disbelieve anything that we have no use for
to choose the infinite gains of being right, at the risk of being wrong “not such a terrible thing”
James’ rebuttals
Clifford - duty to guard ourselves from such beliefs, for they take over our mind, then everyone elses -> though valid, not case of reglious belief because you are never going to get evidence
Huxley - do not pretend to believe, there is no reason to believe
Clough - It fortifies soul to know, that, thou I perish, thruth is so
Pascal’s Wager
Might as well believe, to be on the safe side just in case there is a heaven. You have nothing to lose in believing
