Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
This video is about doxastic voluntarism, the view that belief is under our voluntary control. First, I explain exactly what doxastic voluntarism is and why it matters. Then, I discuss why many philosophers are involuntarists, and focus on Alston's influential argument for involuntarism. Finally, I raise some worries about Alston's case and briefly discuss why I think many philosophers are wrong about whether we can choose our beliefs.
A shoutout to my coauthor Mark Boespflug for much of this material. His website is here: sites.google.com/view/markboespflug/home
For more info on our grant: https://cas.stthomas.edu/departments/areas-of-study/philosophy/academic-cross-training-grant/
This video is about doxastic voluntarism, the view that belief is under our voluntary control. First, I explain exactly what doxastic voluntarism is and why it matters. Then, I discuss why many philosophers are involuntarists, and focus on Alston's influential argument for involuntarism. Finally, I raise some worries about Alston's case and briefly discuss why I think many philosophers are wrong about whether we can choose our beliefs.
A shoutout to my coauthor Mark Boespflug for much of this material. His website is here: sites.google.com/view/markboespflug/home
For more info on our grant: https://cas.stthomas.edu/departments/areas-of-study/philosophy/academic-cross-training-grant/
