Re: dhw--Epistemological Framework (Belief) (Humans)

by dhw, Monday, January 24, 2011, 20:07 (5051 days ago) @ dhw

I have defined belief as: "possession of information which is thought to be true by some but not all individuals who are aware of it".-While knowledge is learned or acquired, belief requires a decision, and that decision will be based on one or more of the following (in no particular order):
 
Knowledge, other beliefs, experience, observation, reason, intuition, outside influence....(maybe you can think of more).-These factors should not be regarded as categories, because many beliefs will result from a combination. -A few illustrations:
Knowledge, observation, reason: many organisms have features in common. Belief: they have a common ancestor.
Knowledge and Reason: Fighter Y has knocked out all 20 of his opponents, while fighter Z has been knocked out by all 20 of his. I believe Fighter Y will KO Fighter Z and indeed I have bet my house on it. (I know, the fight would never be allowed to take place!)
Other beliefs: God exists and the Bible is the word of God. Belief: Jesus performed miracles and was resurrected.
Experience: Mr X has had a NDE. He believes that there is life after death. (N.B. such experiences are personal and do not constitute knowledge.) 
Observation: Many people who have studied or lived with animals believe they communicate complex messages to one another. 
Intuition: very difficult to separate from other factors, but people sometimes have a "gut feeling" that something is true, and it overrides other considerations (e.g. belief that God exists and loves us; that my local MP is an honest man). 
Outside influences: as with intuition, these are often difficult to isolate, but religious, political, social, ethical beliefs may well be traced back to the influence of family, teachers, friends etc. as well as to circumstances (e.g. brainwashing).-A few relevant comments: 
Scientific theories and predictions are generally a combination of knowledge, reason, observation and shared experience, though theories and predictions need not necessarily be beliefs (they may be speculations). -Matt, in your categories of "knowledge" you wanted to establish a hierarchy. Any hierarchy entails a subjective value judgement, and this in itself constitutes a BELIEF, i.e. that one source of information is more valuable than another. For example, many people will argue that science is our most reliable source of information, but not everyone will agree.-Matt and David regard religious faith as special. It may be based on any combination of the factors I've listed, but no matter which, it will still consist of information that is thought to be true by some but not all individuals who are aware of it.-In all matters of belief, decisions must be taken individually. Since belief is based on such a wide variety of factors, and each individual has his own criteria for evaluating information, it might be argued that philosophically this puts all beliefs on a par (see Bertrand Russell's teapot orbiting the sun). Once again, I would argue that the common-sense level should come into operation during discussions. If all participants agree that a particular belief is too improbable to be considered, it should not be considered. -Until beliefs are elevated to the level of knowledge, they will remain suspect, and so they should be treated with scepticism, but also with respect, since none of us know "the truth". -All this, of course, is open to comment and debate, but I hope it will lead to a sounder epistemological framework for our discussions than has previously been offered on this thread.