Single Idea 21631

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 2. Propositional Attitudes]

Full Idea

To know, believe, hope, or fear that A, one must grasp the thought that A. In contrast, to fail to know, believe, hope or fear that A, one need not grasp the thought that A.

Gist of Idea

To know, believe, hope or fear, one must grasp the thought, but not when you fail to do them

Source

Timothy Williamson (Vagueness [1994], 9.3 c)

Book Reference

Williamson,Timothy: 'Vagueness' [Routledge 1996], p.261


A Reaction

A simple point, which at least shows that propositional attitudes are a two-stage operation.