Theories of Knowledge, PHIL 202
Tuesday, May 28

Covered chapter 16, read chapter 17 by Thursday

Do we have control over our beliefs?

How much do culture, upbringing, and personal experiences determine our beliefs?
~ Views of marriage-polygamy, polyandry, arranged, living together first
~ Food-what's ok to eat?
~ political beliefs
~ socialism vs. capitalism
~ religious beliefs

Is it ok for us to choose beliefs based on desires?
Suppose I think being a republican will benefit my business.
1. Can I will myself to believe in republicanism(directly or indirectly)?
2. Would it be intellectually honest?
3. Would it be ethical?

Challenge to choosing beliefs:
~Many people struggle with unwanted beliefs, perhaps that they are unworthy, failures, etc. It seems that they would change if they could.
~Are "iffy" beliefs under our control?
~Do you want blissful ignorance or harsh reality?

Pojman's 2 arguments against volitionism(the idea that we can will our beliefs)
1. Phenomenological arg: our experiences of forming beliefs is of something happening to us. (advertisements, sexual orientation, scientific beliefs, especially inspirations-things we do not "choose to believe")
2. Logical arg: "I believe that p, but only because I want p to be true," is contradictory.