richard swinburn and the problem of other minds

Question 1

Principle of credulity

Answer 1

if someone believes that they have experienced something, then they probably have. Unless there is good reason to disbelieve we shouldn’t

Question 2

Principle of testimony

Answer 2

people in general are truthful, there need to be good reason to doubt one’s honesty

Question 3

Issue with Swinburne’s principles

Answer 3

testimony about religious experience is unlike anything else. Almost certainly about something which is by definition rare and unusual. Swinburne’s point is predicted on a question of whether people are truthful. People can be truthful in only saying what THEY believe to be true, but it does not follow they have correctly grasped the truth of their perception.

Question 4

The problems of other minds

Answer 4

Everyone has a mind of their own and you assume they act in earnest and self-direction. I am not acquainted with your experience as you are. If I cannot share your experience, in what sense can it be evidence for me? You may be sincere, but sincerely wrong