T 3/9 Clifford 66-71; James 71-77

1. For Clifford, how do the examples of the negligent shipowner and the overzealous social reformers support the general principle that we have a duty not to believe claims that lack sufficient evidence? What are the potential harmful consequences of religious belief?

2. What does James mean when he says that a genuine option is live, forced, and momentous?

3. Why, in James’ view, is the issue of religious faith a genuine option? Specifically, why is it forced, i.e., why are we unable to avoid making a decision about believing or not believing?

Taylor 353-356; Robinson 356-364

1. According to Taylor, what is the relationship of reason and faith? How, in his view, does the religious person view the attempt to support or undermine faith by providing evidence? Is he correct?

2. How does Robinson describe the relationship between reason and faith? Although his view of this relationship is similar to Taylor’s, his evaluation of faith is much different. Why?

3. Why, according to Robinson, is faith different than acting on beliefs that do not amount to knowledge, which is often necessary?