Anti-Vaxxers, Conspiracy Theories, & Epistemic Responsibility: Crash Course Philosophy #14
CrashCourse・2 minutes read
Vaccination played a vital role in disease eradication until a study linking vaccines to autism caused some parents to refuse vaccination, while philosophers discuss epistemic responsibility in holding beliefs with evidence, addressing baseless beliefs like anti-vaxxers and climate change deniers. Clifford argued against believing without evidence using a ship owner example, countered by James who justified religious belief without evidence, opening the door for justifying baseless beliefs like not vaccinating children, emphasizing the importance of philosophical arguments against baseless beliefs.
Insights
- Vaccinations in the United States led to the near eradication of diseases until a study linked vaccines to autism, leading some parents to reject vaccination, highlighting the significant impact of misinformation on public health.
- Philosophers like W.K. Clifford and William James debate the importance of epistemic responsibility, with Clifford emphasizing the need for evidence-based beliefs to avoid harmful consequences, while James argues for the moral validity of certain baseless beliefs like religious faith, showcasing the complex interplay between evidence-based reasoning and deeply held convictions.
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Recent questions
What is the controversy surrounding vaccinations in the United States?
Vaccinations led to disease eradication until autism link study.
What is epistemic responsibility in philosophy?
Philosophers emphasize obligation regarding beliefs intersecting sub-disciplines.
Who advocated for epistemic responsibility in philosophy?
W.K. Clifford argued against believing without sufficient evidence.
How did James counter Clifford's argument on beliefs?
James proposed live, forced, momentous options for belief justification.
What role does philosophy play in addressing baseless beliefs?
Philosophy equips individuals to intelligently argue against baseless beliefs.
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Summary
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Epistemic Responsibility in Philosophy and Belief
- Vaccinations in the United States led to the near eradication of diseases like measles until a 1998 study linked vaccines to autism, causing a subset of parents to refuse vaccination.
- Philosophers argue for epistemic responsibility, emphasizing the obligation we have regarding our beliefs, which intersects with various sub-disciplines of philosophy.
- The world is filled with individuals holding baseless beliefs, such as anti-vaxxers, climate change deniers, and conspiracy theorists, who influence others to share their beliefs.
- W.K. Clifford advocated for epistemic responsibility, stating that it is wrong to believe anything without sufficient evidence, using the example of a ship owner to illustrate the consequences of baseless beliefs.
- Clifford argued that beliefs, even if not vocalized, can subtly influence actions and perceptions, making it crucial to only believe in things supported by evidence.
- James countered Clifford's argument, proposing that beliefs can be held morally without evidence if they are live, forced, and momentous options, using religious belief as an example.
- James believed that religious belief meets the criteria of being a live, forced, and momentous option, justifying belief in God through faith alone.
- James' argument, however, opens the door for justifying other baseless beliefs, such as not vaccinating children, as live, forced, and momentous options.
- While philosophy cannot eliminate baseless beliefs, it can equip individuals to intelligently argue against such ideas, emphasizing the importance of epistemic responsibility.
