Main Argument of the Essay
“The Will to Believe” is an essay written by American philosopher and psychologist William James in 1894. In this essay, James argues that in certain circumstances, belief in something can be justified, even in the absence of complete evidence or proof. He claims that there are certain beliefs that are forced upon us and that we have the right to choose to believe them. He cites the example of religious beliefs, where one must choose to believe in the absence of proof, as the most obvious case of such beliefs.
Contribution to the Field
What is the gap that the author is addressing or filling with this text?
The gap that William James addresses in “The Will to Believe” is the view prevalent among philosophers at the time that all beliefs must be based on empirical evidence and logical inference. James felt that this view was incomplete and overlooked the role that faith and the “will to believe” play in shaping beliefs. He argues that there are many important beliefs, such as religious beliefs, that cannot be established through evidence and reason and that the decision to believe such things is not arbitrary or irrational but a natural part of human psychology.
What is her or his different perspective in this essay?
He challenges the prevailing view that all beliefs must be based on empirical evidence and logical inference and provides a new perspective on the role of faith in shaping belief. James’ perspective is quite different from what was commonly accepted at the time. He argues that the determination of whether or not to believe a religious doctrine should not be based solely on evidence and rational argument. Instead, James proposes that an individual’s will to believe should be taken into consideration. He believes that if a person’s will to believe is strong enough, it can be a legitimate basis for accepting a religious belief. By suggesting that an individual’s will to believe should be taken into account, James is making a radical departure from the traditional view that religious belief should be based solely on evidence and rational argument.
Describe the author’s manner of making this contribution.
He draws on examples from everyday life to illustrate his points and uses metaphors and analogies to make complex ideas more accessible. He also engages with the objections and criticisms of his opponents and provides counter-arguments to their views. James’ writing style is clear and concise, yet also imaginative and thought-provoking. He makes use of vivid language and storytelling to bring his arguments to life and to engage the reader in the process of reflection and consideration. In addition to his writing style, James’ contribution is also notable for his thorough and careful approach to the subject. He provides a comprehensive examination of the role of faith in shaping belief and considers the various objections and criticisms that have been raised against his views. He also provides a clear and persuasive defense of his position, making his contribution to the field of philosophy both important and enduring.
Quote of Note
- The feeling and wanting side of our nature not only lawfully may but must decide an option between propositions if it is a genuine option that cannot be decided on intellectual grounds; for to say under such circumstances, ‘Do not decide but leave the question open’ is itself a decision2—just like deciding yes or no—and involves the same risk of losing the truth (James, 1884, pg. 6).
- Our faith is faith in someone else’s faith, and in the greatest matters, this is usually the case. For instance, our belief in truth itself—that there is a truth and that our minds and it are made for each other—what is that but a passionate affirmation of desire, in which our social system backs us up? (pg. 5).
The first quote suggests that sometimes when a proposition cannot be decided through intellectual means, one must rely on one’s emotional and subjective desires to make a decision. The second quote highlights the social and interpersonal nature of faith, emphasizing that our beliefs are often based on the beliefs of others. Both quotes challenge the notion that beliefs must always be based on evidence and reason and instead suggest that belief is a complex and multi-faceted process that involves emotional, subjective, and social factors.
Point to something that the author may have overlooked. How might this piece be improved by putting it in conversation with other class readings? Be specific.
One thing that William James may have overlooked in “The Will to Believe” is the potential danger of blindly accepting beliefs without questioning or critically examining them. By advocating for the “will to believe,” James may be seen as encouraging individuals to accept beliefs without considering their accuracy or truthfulness. In order to address this oversight, James’ piece could be put in conversation with the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, who critiques the uncritical acceptance of beliefs and values, particularly those imposed by religious and social institutions. Nietzsche’s emphasis on the importance of self-reflection and critical examination would serve as a valuable counterpoint to James’ arguments and could help to mitigate the potential dangers of blindly accepting beliefs without questioning them. By considering the perspectives of both James and Nietzsche, a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the relationship between reason and faith in shaping belief could be developed.
Critical Discussion Questions
- In what ways does James distinguish the “will to believe” from the principles of logical inference, and how does he argue for its justification in certain circumstances?
- How does James reconcile the tension between the scientific method and religious faith in his concept of “will believe”? How does this approach to belief differ from traditional approaches, such as empiricism and rationalism?
References
James, W. (2014). ‘The Will to Believe.’ In Philosophy of Religion (pp. 169-180). Routledge.
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