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Suppose a billionaire promises to give you half of his fortune if you believe that the number of stars in our galaxy is even, although you have no evidence as to whether it is even or odd. What should you believe? Do you have reason to believe that it is even? Moreover, does it even make sense to speak of our obligation to believe? It seems that our beliefs, unlike our actions, do not seem to be under our voluntary control. But how could it ever be true that we ought to believe something, if we do not have any voluntary control over our beliefs? Such are the central questions in the ethics of belief. In this course, we will inquire into both the nature of reasons for belief and the kind of control we have over our belief. In the first half of the course, we will critically examine the main arguments for evidentialism, the view that only evidence can serve as a resaon for belief, or that we ought to believe in accordance with our evidence. Then we will discuss some alternative positions, according to which a practical consideration, or even a moral consideration, can be a reason for belief. In the second half of the course, we will discuss how we can, if at all, be held responsible for our beliefs, discussing various concepts of control and responsibility relevant to belief.
This seminar will be taught in English, and will consist mainly in discussion on assigned readings. Active engagement with the texts and participation in class are essential. |
