Single Idea 6635

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / d. Cause of beliefs]

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 Reference

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.