Single Idea 3586

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / C. External Justification / 2. Causal Justification]

Full Idea

Justification requires logical rather than causal connections. That is the point of the slogan that only a belief can justify a belief.

Gist of Idea

Only a belief can justify a belief

Source

Michael Williams (Problems of Knowledge [2001], Ch.10)

Book Reference

Williams,Michael: 'Problems of Knowledge' [OUP 2001], p.122


A Reaction

It seems better to talk of 'rational' connections, rather than 'logical' connections. It isn't 'logical' to believe that someone despises me because their lip is faintly curled.