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On External Factors in the Process of Belief Formation and Their Impact on Moral Responsibility

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines the degree of control humans have over their beliefs and their moral responsibility. The allegory of the cave from Plato's Ideal State is cited to illustrate how external factors can influence an individual's belief formation. In addition, reference is made to David Hume and Immanuel Kant's view that people's knowledge and cognitive structures also influence their beliefs. Finally, it is concluded that people lack the free will to shape their beliefs independently due to external factors and therefore should not be held responsible for them.

Source: Advances in Education Humanities and Social Science Research

DOI: 10.56028/aehssr.12.1.794.2024

Author: Steven Xie

Institution: University of Westminster

Language: English

Topic: Epistemology, Ethics, and Metaphysics

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4405729785

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