Theory of Knowledge

Fall 2006

Second Homework Assignment

Directions: Read Clifford’s essay, “The Ethics of Belief”. (There’s a link to the essay on the class web page.) We will begin our discussion of this essay in class on Wednesday, 9/27. Write an essay of about one page commenting on Clifford’s arguments and claims. Some specific possibilities are described below. Additional possibilities may come up in class. Your discussion should take into account the ideas presented in class on Wednesday. The assignment is due at the beginning of class on Friday, September 29.

1) Clifford begins with some examples - one about a shipowner, one about the inhabitants of an island with religious beliefs unlike most westerners’ beliefs. Are Clifford’s claims about these examples correct?

2) Clifford expresses his main idea this way: “To sum up: it is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.” Do you think that it is clear what this principle means? If not, explain the way or ways in which it needs clarification.

3) What do you think of Clifford’s defense of his principle? Has he made a good case for it?

4) In sections II and III, Clifford discusses authority and inference. Critically assess one of his main claims in these sections.