Belief, Faith, and Hope: On the Rationality of Long-Term Commitment. Issue 517 (13th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jackson, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Mind. Volume 130:Issue 517(2021)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2020-06-13
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy; Periodicals; 190.5
• DOI: 10.1093/mind/fzaa023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-4423

Abstract

Abstract: I examine three attitudes: belief, faith, and hope. I argue that all three attitudes play the same role in rationalizing action. First, I explain two models of rational action—the decision-theory model and the belief-desire model. Both models entail there are two components of rational action: an epistemic component and a conative component. Then, using this framework, I show how belief, faith, and hope that p can all make it rational to accept, or act as if, p. I conclude by showing how my picture can explain how action-oriented commitments can be rational over time, both in the face of counterevidence and in the face of waning affections.