"The Ethics of Belief" by W.T Clifford. Write an essay that describes his attitude towards belief. Be sure to address the following issues:
1. why does Clifford say what we believe is not merely a private matter, but a moral issue?
2. What is morally permissible for us to believe?
3. What implications does his view have for religious faith? Before answering this question, you may want to look at the last few lines of Part III that begin with "To sum up."
Use examples where appropriate in your discussion.
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Marie, I assume you have read the essay. Do you have questions about what it means, what Clifford's point is?
To describe W.T Clifford's attitude towards belief as discussed in "The Ethics of Belief," I will address each of the following issues:
1. Why does Clifford say what we believe is not merely a private matter, but a moral issue?
Clifford argues that what we believe is not solely a private matter because our beliefs have consequences that can impact others. He believes that all beliefs, especially those that influence our actions, have the potential to harm or benefit others. Clifford suggests that we have a moral responsibility to base our beliefs on sufficient evidence and rational justifications because our actions motivated by those beliefs can have significant consequences for others. For example, if someone believes that drinking a particular vitamin supplement can cure a deadly disease and spreads this belief, it can lead to false hope and deter people from seeking proper medical treatment. Therefore, he asserts that believing without proper evidence can be morally wrong.
2. What is morally permissible for us to believe?
According to Clifford, it is morally permissible for us to believe only what is based on sufficient evidence and rational justification. He emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking, urging individuals to avoid accepting beliefs based solely on wishful thinking, desire, or tradition. Clifford argues that even harmless or comforting beliefs should be evaluated critically to ensure they are supported by evidence. For instance, if someone believes in the existence of an afterlife purely for the comfort it brings, Clifford would consider this belief morally impermissible because it lacks rational justification.
3. What implications does Clifford's view have for religious faith?
Clifford's view has significant implications for religious faith. He argues that religious beliefs are not exempt from the moral requirement of being based on sufficient evidence. Even though religious faith often deals with matters beyond empirical verification, Clifford suggests that individuals are still morally obliged to critically examine the evidence available to them. He does not deny the possibility of religious faith but suggests that it should be grounded in rational justifications rather than blind faith. In the last few lines of Part III, he states: "To sum up, it is wrong always, everywhere, and for everyone, to believe anything on insufficient evidence." This statement implies that religious faith, like any other belief, should be based on solid evidence and rational justification.
In conclusion, W.T Clifford's attitude towards belief, as presented in "The Ethics of Belief," emphasizes the moral dimension of belief. He argues that believing without sufficient evidence can have harmful consequences and, therefore, we have a moral responsibility to base our beliefs on rational justifications. This perspective applies not only to personal beliefs but also to religious faith, suggesting that even religious beliefs should be subject to critical examination and evidentiary support.