Single Idea 23551

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / a. Beliefs]

Full Idea

A mental state cannot count as a belief unless it has a reasonable life expectancy. It must be the sort of thing that one is disposed to assert not only now but in the future too.

Gist of Idea

It is necessary for a belief that it be held for a length of time

Source

Miranda Fricker (Epistemic Injustice [2007], 2.3)

Book Reference

Fricker,Miranda: 'Epistemic Injustice' [OUP 2007], p.52


A Reaction

There are obvious counterexamples, where a firm belief is strongly formed, only to be dashed by a counterexample (such as a new witness in court) soon afterwards. That said, this idea is obviously correct.