Ethics of Belief and Other Essays

by William Kingdon Clifford, Timothy J. Madigan (Introduction)

"It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anythingupon insufficient evidence." -- W. K. CliffordThe above forthright assertion of mathematician and educator W. K. Clifford (1845-1879) in his famous essay "The Ethics of Belief" drew an immediate response from Victorian-era critics, who took issue with his reasoned and brilliantly presented attack on beliefs "not founded on fair inquiry." An advocate of evolutionary theory, Clifford recognized that working hypotheses and assumptions are necessary for belief formation and that testing and assessing one's beliefs in light of new evidence strengthens those worthy of being held. "The Ethics of Belief" is presented here in complete form, along with an insightful biographical introduction by editor Timothy J. Madigan. Also included are four other noteworthy essays by "On the Aims and Instruments of Scientific Thought," "Right and Wrong," "The Ethics of Religion," and "The Influence upon Morality of a Decline in Religious Belief."

Genres: Philosophy, Essays, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kendra Bean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did require a lot of clarification from someone more knowledgeable than myself. The language is most difficult as it was written in 1877. I like the concept, but more questions arise, which I guess is his point. So, it sparked my interest and thats enough for me.

[Philip Athans · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I’ve read so far in this month’s emphasis on the study of philosophy that I agree with on every point. It’s strange that I’ve only now read this book since it describes the major tenets of my entire life so succinctly. But stranger still is how accurately Clifford describes contemporary religious fanaticism here in America and in other parts of the world as a warning from the late 19th century against allowing religious dogma and clergy to once again exert political power. A must read for anyone hoping to see human culture progress into a post-superstitious future.

[Kavinda Ratnapala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the most important piece on the philosophy of epistemology that even the most well read student of philosophy may have not read.

It requires letting go of the conciet and arrogance which philosophers are prone to by asking the question and providing a viable model to dealing with the question.

Do I have the right to believe that which I do?

Clifford has done more to develop the discourses on belief and truth than most people will realise and while this is by modern writing standards not an easy reading needing patience and deliberation with regular interludes for further consideration I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who may be engaged in professions which require a greater than usual amount of personal reflection.

Journalists, Scientists, Politicians and Audiotrs are some of the quick professions that come to mind.

A wonderful gift to be given to anyone who may be thinking of asking about the larger questions of life.

[David Haws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belief takes place in the Affective Domain. Belief is affected by experience in the Cognitive and Psycho-motor domains, and those experiences might have a moral value if we recognize them as so active, but Ought Implies Can: we believe as we must, not as we choose. Our beliefs have no moral value. Clifford is really discussing the unethical nature of overstated beliefs. I remember reading this book for the first time maybe twenty years ago, and it contains one of my favorite Victorian essays.

[Faisal · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read, especially the essay on the ethics of Belief due to its dense meanings and clearly written complex ideas.

A book should be seen on all shelves.

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant essays concerning our ethical responsibility to be circumspect about our beliefs in general, and our religious beliefs in particular.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

librivox audiobook, just the titular essay: http://librivox.org/the-ethics-of-bel...