Overview
The lecture discusses whether it's morally acceptable to believe in God without evidence, focusing on a debate between William Kingdon Clifford and William James.
Argument Against Belief Without Evidence
- A common argument claims it's wrong to believe in God because there is no evidence for God's existence.
- The second premise of the argument is: If there is no evidence for God's existence, it's wrong to believe that He exists.
- This view is famously defended by William Kingdon Clifford.
Clifford's View: The Ethics of Belief
- Clifford argued that believing anything without sufficient evidence is always morally wrong.
- He illustrated his view with a story about a negligent shipowner who convinces himself his unsafe ferry is seaworthy, leading to disaster.
- Clifford concluded that the shipowner was responsible for the deaths due to unjustified belief.
- Generalizing, Clifford stated: "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe anything upon insufficient evidence."
- He extended this principle to religious belief, criticizing those who stifle doubts about their faith.
James's View: The Will to Believe
- William James argued it is sometimes acceptable to believe without evidence, especially when evidence is inconclusive.
- James's personal struggle with depression showed how religious belief provided him crucial support even without evidence.
- James countered Clifford by suggesting that belief can be justified based on the practical benefits it brings.
- He provided scenarios (like the story of Rupert and his date) where adopting a belief without evidence might lead to better outcomes.
Weighing Risks in Belief Formation
- James argued that forming beliefs involves two risks: believing a falsehood or missing out on truth.
- He suggested that individuals should weigh these risks, particularly when evidence is lacking.
- James concluded that, for some, believing in God without evidence is reasonable if the potential benefits are significant.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Insufficient Evidence — lacking adequate support or proof to justify a belief.
- Ethics of Belief — the study of the moral obligations involved in forming beliefs.
- Clifford's Principle — the claim that it is always wrong to believe anything without sufficient evidence.
- Pragmatic Justification — justification for belief based on the practical benefits rather than evidence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Clifford's "The Ethics of Belief" and James's "The Will to Believe" for further understanding.
- Reflect on personal beliefs and the evidence or practical reasons supporting them.