Belief, Faith, and Hope: On the Rationality of Long-Term Commitment

Mind 130 (517):35–57 (2021)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

I examine three attitudes: belief, faith, and hope. I argue that all three attitudes play the same role in rationalizing action. First, I explain two models of rational action—the decision-theory model and the belief-desire model. Both models entail there are two components of rational action: an epistemic component and a conative component. Then, using this framework, I show how belief, faith, and hope that p can all make it rational to accept, or act as if, p. I conclude by showing how my picture can explain how action-oriented commitments can be rational over time, both in the face of counterevidence and in the face of waning affections.

Author's Profile

Elizabeth Jackson
Toronto Metropolitan University

Analytics

Added to PP
2020-04-16

Downloads
1,901 (#4,244)

6 months
320 (#5,335)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?