Belief, Faith, and Hope: On the Rationality of Long-Term Commitment
Mind 130 (517):35–57 (2021)
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
DOI
10.1093/mind/fzaa023
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2020-04-16
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