Pragmatic Justification for Religious Belief

Introduction to William James

• Philosopher and psychologist.
• Promotes a view of truth known as pragmatism.
  • Truth is understood in terms of practice.
  • A belief is true if it successfully guides our actions.
  • Example: The belief "it's wrong to murder" is true as it helps maintain societal order.

Pragmatism

• Developed in the United States.
• Philosophy regarding the nature of truth.
• Highlights the practical effect of beliefs enabling us to guide actions successfully.

Rational Belief in the Face of Inconclusive Evidence

• Question: Is it rational to believe when evidence is inconclusive?
• Some issues have clear evidence (e.g., Earth revolves around the sun).
• Many issues, like the existence of God, have inconclusive evidence.
• James explores belief in God with this in mind.

Intellectual Context of James's Argument

• Philosophers engage with other thinkers when writing.
• Influenced by others like WK Clifford.

Evidentialism (WK Clifford)

• Beliefs are justified only if supported by sufficient evidence.
• Moral duty to only believe what is backed by good evidence.
• Clifford's perspective emphasizes the consequences of belief.

Clifford's Illustration

• Analogy of a ship owner who sends a possibly unseaworthy ship.
• Ship owner's belief in the ship's safety was unfounded.
• Raises the question of moral responsibility for belief consequences.

Clifford’s Ethics of Belief

• "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe on insufficient evidence."
• Applies to religious faith as believing in something without proof.
• Clifford argues faith is irrational as it lacks strong evidence.

William James's Response

• James disagrees with Clifford's evidentialism.
• Plans to outline reasons for disagreement in subsequent discussion.