[2pac]

PAPER TOPIC: WHAT JUSTIFICATION OF FAITH DOES Wm. JAMES OFFER?
In several of the chapters of William James Essays in Pragmatism, James
supports our right to
believe where €œdoubt is still theoretically possible€� (p.22), or where there
is €œinsufficient evidence€�
(p. 93); James attaches the name, €œfaith,€� to beliefs for which doubt is
still theoretically possible (p.
22). Nevertheless, clearly James does not support a general, or unrestricted
right for us to believe
where there is insufficient evidence.
In your paper, (1) contrast the rationality he provides for our holding - as
measured by our actions
- beliefs for which there is insufficient evidence with the status of such
beliefs within the
Platonic/Cartesian/Clifford account of knowledge as indefeasibly justified,
true belief; (2) specify
the range, or scope of beliefs to which James justification is meant to
apply; and, (3) be sure to
assess whether you think James justification within that restricted range
of beliefs is successful.
The paper should not be longer than three pages in length, and should attend
to matters pertaining to presenting a well-argued and coherent position in
addressing the assigned topic.