Problems of Belief

'Problems of Belief' is a profound exploration of the nature, origins, and functions of human belief, authored by the distinguished pragmatist philosopher F. C. S. Schiller. In this insightful work, Schiller investigates the complex interplay between logical reasoning and the psychological impulses that drive conviction. Rather than treating belief as a purely abstract or static state, the author examines it as a dynamic human activity deeply rooted in practical needs and personal experience.The book delves into various types of belief-ranging from scientific hypotheses to religious faith-and evaluates their validity based on their consequences and utility. Schiller’s humanist approach challenges traditional rigidities in epistemology, suggesting that the truth of a belief is often inextricably linked to its application in the real world. By analyzing the will to believe and the pitfalls of doubt, the text offers a compelling psychological and philosophical framework for understanding how we navigate a world of uncertainty.This work remains a significant contribution to the school of British pragmatism, offering readers a clear and engaging critique of formal logic and a spirited defense of the human element in philosophical inquiry. 'Problems of Belief' is an essential read for those interested in the history of philosophy, the psychology of religion, and the foundations of knowledge.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.