Single Idea 12583

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

Full Idea

The truth condition of the belief is the 'normal' circumstances in which, given the learning process, it is biologically supposed to be present.

Gist of Idea

Belief truth-conditions are normal circumstances where the belief is supposed to occur

Source

David Papineau (Reality and Representation [1987], p.67), quoted by Christopher Peacocke - A Study of Concepts 5.2

Book Reference

Peacocke,Christopher: 'A Study of Concepts' [MIT 1999], p.130


A Reaction

How do we account for a belief in ghosts in this story? The notion of 'normal' circumstances and what is 'biologically supposed' to happen don't seem very appropriate. This is the 'teleological' view of belief.