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Full Idea
The causal theory of beliefs seems condemned to treat all beliefs as true, which is absurd, …and we do not want to say that tomorrow's rain 'causes' today's belief that it will rain tomorrow.
Clarification
The 'causal theory' says beliefs are simply caused by the external world
Gist of Idea
Causal theories of belief make all beliefs true, and can't explain belief about the future
Source
E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 4)
Book Ref
Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.92
A Reaction
This is aimed at Fodor. A false belief might be caused by reality if one had one's internal wires crossed, and a belief about the future might be caused by events happening now. This theory is not dead.
| 2076 | How can a belief exist if its object doesn't exist? [Plato] |
| 23359 | We can't believe apparent falsehoods, or deny apparent truths [Epictetus] |
| 20190 | Belief is not an intellectual state or act, because propositions are affirmed or denied by the will [Descartes, by Zagzebski] |
| 12574 | When two ideas agree in my mind, I cannot refuse to see and know it [Locke] |
| 3661 | 'Natural beliefs' are unavoidable, whatever our judgements [Hume, by Strawson,G] |
| 2213 | Beliefs are built up by resemblance, contiguity and causation [Hume] |
| 20189 | Belief is a feeling, independent of the will, which arises from uncontrolled and unknown causes [Hume] |
| 20945 | Belief is no more rational than is tasting and smelling [Hamann] |
| 5366 | We have an 'instinctive' belief in the external world, prior to all reflection [Russell] |
| 22328 | I just confront the evidence, and let it act on me [Ramsey] |
| 12651 | Some beliefs are only inferred when needed, like 'Shakespeare had not telephone' [Fodor] |
| 2715 | Beliefs are based on perception, memory, introspection or reason [Audi,R] |
| 20191 | Some beliefs are fairly voluntary, and others are not at all so [Zagzebski] |
| 6635 | Causal theories of belief make all beliefs true, and can't explain belief about the future [Lowe] |
| 4763 | 'Evidentialists' say, and 'voluntarists' deny, that we only believe on the basis of evidence [Engel] |