William James' "The Will to Believe"

Summary

The speaker passionately advocates for the legitimacy of religious belief without empirical proof, challenging philosopher W.K. Clifford's view that belief without evidence is irresponsible. They argue that life is filled with decisions made without proof, and religion is no exception. The speaker asserts that some truths, especially in relationships and personal growth, can only be realized through belief. They emphasize the transformative power of belief, suggesting that it can make certain outcomes true, as in the case of confidence influencing success. The talk concludes by highlighting the importance of faith in combating despair and striving for a better world.

Takeaways

• 📜 The speaker argues for the rationality of religious belief without proof, challenging the view of philosophers like W.K. Clifford.
• 🧐 Belief without proof is a common aspect of life, and the speaker questions why religion should be an exception.
• 🤔 The concept of 'live, forced, and momentous' decisions is introduced to explain why we might need to believe without proof.
• 🏛 The decision to be religious or not is presented as a forced and significant choice that everyone must make.
• 🚫 Avoiding error by never believing anything less than completely certain could lead to missing out on truths worth believing.
• 🤝 Belief can be a prerequisite for certain truths, especially in relationships, where trust and respect can be confirmed through belief.
• 🔄 Beliefs can shape reality, as they influence behavior and can make certain outcomes more likely.
• 🌟 The speaker suggests that some religious beliefs might require belief to be confirmed as true, especially those related to personal relationships with a higher power.
• 💪 Believing in the possibility of a better world with divine help can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, motivating action towards that goal.
• ✝️ Religion provides hope, which is essential for combating evil and suffering, and the belief in a better world can be a driving force for change.

Q & A

What is the main argument the speaker is making about faith?

The speaker argues that it is rational and responsible to hold religious beliefs even without proof, defending the right to believe in religious claims that lack convincing evidence.

Why does the speaker disagree with philosopher W. K. Clifford's view on belief?

The speaker disagrees with Clifford because he believes that believing without proof is a part of life and that some things, including religious truths, cannot be confirmed until we believe them.

What does the speaker mean by 'live, forced, and momentous' decisions?

Live decisions are those where both options appeal to us at least a little. Forced decisions are those from which we cannot avoid choosing one option. Momentous decisions are those that have a significant impact on our lives.

Why does the speaker believe we have a right to believe without proof in certain situations?

The speaker believes we have a right to believe without proof when faced with live, forced, and momentous decisions because we must make choices and act, and sometimes these choices cannot be made with perfect proof.

How does the speaker relate the decision to be religious or not to other life decisions?

The speaker relates the decision to be religious or not to other significant life decisions like choosing a spouse or a career, suggesting that we often have to make these decisions without perfect proof.

What is the speaker's stance on the fear of being taken in by false beliefs?

The speaker is equally afraid of not believing a true religious claim as they are of believing a false one, and thus chooses to be religious.

Why does the speaker argue that some beliefs cannot be confirmed until we believe them?

The speaker argues that some beliefs, particularly those related to relationships and possibly with God, cannot be confirmed until we believe them because the act of believing can lead to evidence that confirms the belief.

What is the everyday example the speaker uses to illustrate how beliefs can make things true?

The speaker uses the example of confidence versus despair before a rugby game to show how believing in one's ability can lead to success, while despairing belief in failure can lead to actual failure.

How does the speaker connect our beliefs to our ability to shape the world?

The speaker connects our beliefs to our ability to shape the world by stating that our minds interact with reality, and our beliefs, by affecting our behavior, can shape the world to fit those beliefs.

What is the religious significance of the choice between confidence and despair according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that the choice between confidence and despair has religious significance because believing in the possibility of a better world with divine help can empower us to work towards it, potentially making that belief come true.