The Ethics of Belief (eBook)

William Kingdon Clifford (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
25 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654702751-5 (EAN)

Infos

In "The Ethics of Belief," William Kingdon Clifford presents a profound exploration of the moral implications surrounding the act of believing. The essay, originally published in 1877, adopts a rationalist approach, arguing that beliefs must be supported by evidence and that it is unethical to hold beliefs without sufficient justification. Clifford's signature literary style combines clarity of thought with rigorous logical argumentation, positioning his work in the context of Victorian rationalism and the burgeoning debate between faith and reason. Through his memorable assertion, "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence," he challenges the reader to scrutinize their belief systems critically and underscores broader ethical considerations of intellectual honesty and responsibility in society. William Kingdon Clifford, a prominent British philosopher, mathematician, and advocate for empiricism, was influenced by contemporaneous thinkers such as John Stuart Mill and Charles Darwin. His background in mathematics and philosophy shaped his rigorous analytical approach, focusing on the relationship between knowledge, belief, and ethics. Clifford's commitment to rational inquiry and social reform resonates throughout his work, reflecting the intellectual currents of an era grappling with rapid scientific advances. "The Ethics of Belief" is a compelling treatise for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of epistemology and morality. Its impact on subsequent philosophical discourse makes it essential reading for students of philosophy, ethics, and critical thinking. Clifford's accessible yet profound arguments invite readers to reflect critically on their own beliefs and the ethical implications of holding them, making this work a timeless contribution to the discourse on rational belief.

Autor

William Kingdon Clifford (1845–1879) was an English mathematician and philosopher, remembered largely for his contributions in geometry and his philosophical work. Clifford's development of what is now termed 'geometric algebra' was a significant advancement in the field, influencing the structure of modern mathematics. Despite his early death at the age of 33, his intellectual legacy endured through his published lectures and essays. Clifford's essay 'The Ethics of Belief' (1877) has remained influential in epistemology and ethics, discussing the morality and obligation surrounding the formation of belief. This essay asserts that it is wrong to believe anything based on insufficient evidence and that doing so can have serious moral consequences. His philosophical inquiry was deeply influenced by the evidentialist approach, which has been crucial in debates on faith, ethics, and rationality. Clifford's work resonated with, and contributed to, the Victorian crisis of faith, engaging with themes of skepticism and belief in an era marked by scientific progression and religious doubt. Scholars reflect on his work for its prescient understanding of the importance of evidence and the weight of belief—a discourse that remains poignant in modern philosophical discussions.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 29.5.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Religion / Theologie
• Schlagworte: 1870s works • 19th Century Philosophy • Analytical reasoning • Belief ethics • belief systems • belief systems analysis • Clifford's arguments • Culture • Epistemology • Epistemology argument • epistemology studies • ethical decision making • Faith and Reason • free thought • Intellectual exchange • Intellectual responsibility • Intellectual rigor • Logical skepticism • Morality discussion • Moral Philosophy • Moral Responsibilities • moral responsibility • Nature • philosophical debate • Philosophical Ethics • philosophical inquiry • Philosophy • Psychology versus mathematics • Rational thought • Religion • Science • science and ethics • Social Institutions • Society • theology debate • Victorian era philosophy • William James