Reference no: EM133570245

Questions

1. Give several examples of beliefs you have or that an acquaintance of yours has. Include (a)beliefs about small, everyday things, (b)beliefs on potentially controversial matters, (c) beliefs on which a major decision might be based in the future. Are any of the beliefs less certain that the others? What makes them less certain? Are any "more important" than others?

2. Clifford describes two dramatic cases in which people's lives or reputations are at stake. Describe each case. [Originally published in Contemporary Review, 1877; reprinted in William K. Clifford, Lectures and Essays, ed. Leslie Stephen and Frederick Pollock (London: Macmillan and Co., 1886). The author (1845-1879) was an English mathematician.] William K. Clifford THE ETHICS OF BELIEF I.

3. Clifford argues that it is always wrong to believe anything on insufficient evidence. That is, even if no lives or reputations are at risk, even if a belief is about a trivial matter, it is still wrong to believe on insufficient evidence. What reasoning does Clifford give to support this claim? (You should provide some detail here.)

4. Do you think that Clifford's thesis is too general? If you think there should be exceptions, explain why, and provide some examples. The assigned reading by William James is relevant here. James discusses an important potential exception, and touches upon some others. If you think there should be no exceptions, explain why.