William Clifford s Ethics Of Belief Essay - 1451 Words

Born in 1845, William Clifford was a mathematician and philosopher famed for his philosophy of science and quest for answering ethical questions through scientific evidence (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). Clifford recognized several difficulties in Emmanuel Kant’s argument related to philosophy, which inspired him to begin a search for answers related to innate belief, personal responsibility of guilt, and overall creation. In the Ethics of Belief, Clifford asserts that it is always wrong to believe based on insufficient evidence, a theme that would follow his opinion on every issue he chose to tackle. William James was an American psychiatrist and philosopher, born in 1842 and touted as the leader of the philosophical movement of Pragmatism and of the psychological movement of functionalism (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). James’ rebuttal to the Clifford’s Ethics of Believe, was the famed Will to Believe. James’ and Clifford’s differing opinions in the belief debate has created the foundation for current theological arguments, always being considered the reference for religious philosophy. Since the 19th century, William Clifford and William James have been the foremost philosophers; arguing the basis of belief and validity. Each theorist has attempted to answer significant creation and theological mysteries, but none with one hundred percent certainty or defense. Nonetheless, Clifford and James have varying views on the belief debate, each formulating a rationalShow MoreRelatedSummary Of Blaise Pascal s The Wager 1286 Words   |  6 PagesPascal’s famous work, â€Å"the Wager,† utilizes about the concept of pragmatic justification in the terms of deciding whether or not to believe in God. In response to this, William Clifford publishes â€Å"The Ethics of Belief† countering Pascal’s view. Neither Pascal or Clifford’s views are perfect, but they are both worth examining. Clifford s universal rejection of pragmatic justification is ultimately too harsh on Pascal’s Wager. Pascal utilizes reason to come to the conclusion whether or not it is beneficialRead MoreClifford s Views On Religion1488 Words   |  6 PagesClifford makes an excellent point that we should take into consideration all beliefs and ethics. But his philosophy that â€Å"it is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence† is a little harsh for me. On the other hand James’ more faith-filled philosophy based on his view of religion, recognizing facts and the truth and how the choices we make in our lives effect us everyday are some of the more relatable ethics that we can apply in our daily lives and toRead MoreThe Ethics Of Belief By Clifford. Pascal1776 Words   |  8 Pagesavailable evidence. A range of philosophers have written widely on this topic. 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