Belief Policies (Electronic book text)


How do we form and modify our beliefs about the world? It is widely accepted that what we believe is determined by evidence, and is therefore not directly under our control; but according to what criteria is the credibility of the evidence established? Professor Helm argues that no theory of knowledge is complete without standards for accepting and rejecting evidence as belief-worthy. These standards, or belief-policies, are not themselves determined by evidence, but determine what counts as credible evidence. Unlike single beliefs, belief-policies are directly subject to the will, and therefore to the possibility of weakness of will and self-deception. Helm sets out to interpret standard epistemological positions in terms of belief-policies, and to illustrate their operation in the history of philosophy. He establishes connections between belief-policies, responsibility for beliefs, and the desirability of toleration, before reassessing fideism in the light of his argument.

Delivery AdviceNot available

Toggle WishListAdd to wish list
Review this Item

Product Description

How do we form and modify our beliefs about the world? It is widely accepted that what we believe is determined by evidence, and is therefore not directly under our control; but according to what criteria is the credibility of the evidence established? Professor Helm argues that no theory of knowledge is complete without standards for accepting and rejecting evidence as belief-worthy. These standards, or belief-policies, are not themselves determined by evidence, but determine what counts as credible evidence. Unlike single beliefs, belief-policies are directly subject to the will, and therefore to the possibility of weakness of will and self-deception. Helm sets out to interpret standard epistemological positions in terms of belief-policies, and to illustrate their operation in the history of philosophy. He establishes connections between belief-policies, responsibility for beliefs, and the desirability of toleration, before reassessing fideism in the light of his argument.

Customer Reviews

No reviews or ratings yet - be the first to create one!

Product Details

General

Imprint

Cambridge University Press (Virtual Publishing)

Country of origin

United Kingdom

Series

Cambridge Studies in Philosophy

Release date

August 2009

Availability

We don't currently have any sources for this product. If you add this item to your wish list we will let you know when it becomes available.

Authors

Format

Electronic book text

ISBN-13

978-0-511-52001-3

Barcode

9780511520013

Categories

LSN

0-511-52001-8



Trending On Loot