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Aiming at the truth and aiming at success

Radoilska, Lubomira V. (2017) Aiming at the truth and aiming at success. Philosophical Explorations, 20 (sup1). pp. 111-126. ISSN 1386-9795. E-ISSN 1741-5918. (doi:10.1080/13869795.2017.1287297) (KAR id:61372)

Abstract

This paper explores how the norms of belief relate to the norms of action. The discussion centres on addressing a challenge from positive illusions stating that the demands we face as believers aiming at the truth and the demands we face as agents aiming at success often pull in opposite directions. In response to this challenge, it is argued that the pursuits of aiming at the truth and aiming at success are fully compatible and mutually reinforcing. More specifically, the link between the two takes the form of a two-way connection. In addition to succeeding in virtue of getting it right, it is normatively appropriate to get it right in virtue of succeeding. This two-way connection thesis is supported by a wide scope reading of how the truth norm of belief may be satisfied. On this reading, believing p is permissible both as a result of settling the question of whether p in light of the available evidence and as a result of engaging a believer’s agency in making it the case that p

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/13869795.2017.1287297
Uncontrolled keywords: action, aim of belief, delusions, evidence, norms of belief, positive illusions, practical knowledge, truth, wrong kind of reasons, Philosophy
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Culture and Languages
Depositing User: Lubomira Radoilska
Date Deposited: 18 Apr 2017 12:42 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 07:52 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/61372 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Radoilska, Lubomira V..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6442-0459
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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