William James': "The Will To Believe"

Question 1

The extent of disagreement that is present between James’ own thesis and that of Clifford.

Answer 1

There must be a subjective element to belief, logic cannot be all we base our beliefs on.

Question 2

James’ thesis..

Answer 2

Our passional nature must decide on an option between propositions when it is a genuine option

Question 3

Genuine option

Answer 3

An option that is 1. Living, 2. Forced, and 3. Momentous

Question 4

Distinction between seeking truth and shunning error

Answer 4

Clifford: “avoid error by any means, even if missing out on truth”

James: “pursue truth, even if it means risking error”

Question 5

James’ examples of genuine options…

Answer 5

1. Values and morality
2. Friendship
3. Religious faith

Question 6

Why is values and morality a genuine option?

Answer 6

1. Often time sensitive
2. Is vs. Ought/ facts vs values
   (living, forced, momentous)

Question 7

Why is friendship a genuine option?

Answer 7

You have to trust, in order to trust you have to be willing to assume.. risking error. (living, forced, momentous)

Question 8

Why is religious faith a genuine option?

Answer 8

“I do not want to risk my sole chance of being on the winning side” (living, forced, momentous)

Question 9

Potential objections to James’ position…

Answer 9

“The freedom to believe can only cover living options which thr intellect of the individual cannot by itself resolve.”