Instructions: This paper covers two readings from the material from the previous week. Papers should contain no less than 3 full pages of text, 12 point font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins. Papers should demonstrate a thorough awareness of the topic as well as the ability to engage in philosophical reasoning. Outside research is not necessary, but if you use external sources you must provide complete citations. Failure to cite your sources is academic misconduct and will result in a failure of the assignment (for more information, see the Academic Honesty section of the syllabus). Papers should be submitted through Blackboard, as a file attachment.
Assignment: William James, in “The Will to Believe,” and W. K. Clifford, in “The Ethics of Belief,” are engaged in a philosophical debate regarding whether or not it is morally acceptable to hold beliefs without sufficient evidence, in other words, faith-based beliefs.
Part I: View
This part of your paper should be at least 1 page in length, and should provide a clear, careful explanation, in your own words (no direct quotations!), of James’ argument. You will be graded on your ability to clearly explain the philosophical argument.
Part II: Counterview
This part of your paper should be at least 1 page in length, and should provide a clear, careful explanation, in your own words (no direct quotations!), of Clifford’s response to James. You will be graded on your ability to clearly explain the philosophical argument.
Part III: Who Wins?
This part of your paper should be at least 1 page in length, and should be your own explanation of who you think wins the debate. You will be graded on your ability to think critically and to engage with the material on a level beyond what you have simply read and regurgitated, as well as your ability to support your beliefs with concrete arguments.
