more from Charles Sanders Peirce

Single Idea 6942

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / c. Aim of beliefs]

Full Idea

We seek for a belief that we shall think to be true; but we think each one of our beliefs to be true, and, indeed, it is mere tautology to say so.

Clarification

It is a tautology if it is implied in the definition

Gist of Idea

We want true beliefs, but obviously we think our beliefs are true

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (The Fixation of Belief [1877], p.11)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.11


A Reaction

If, as I do, you like to define belief as 'commitment to truth', Peirce makes a rather startling observation. You are rendered unable to ask whether your beliefs are true, because you have defined them as true. Nice point…