CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2015
| Author | Morris, Heather Mackenzie |
|---|---|
| Title | Religious Belief and the Diversity Problem for Rationality: A Cognitive Science Approach |
| Summary | This thesis investigates the diversity problem for the rationality of religious belief. By taking Plantinga’s reformed epistemology as a starting point, I discuss how issues with his theory of epistemic warrant for religious belief serve to highlight that the diversity problem is a significant concern in the sphere of the epistemology of religious belief. The diversity problem relates to the plurality of religious beliefs worldwide: why this plurality might be seen to undermine warrant, and why it emphasises a need for an account that suitably explains why such diversity can be found. I provide a solution for the diversity problem by utilising recent findings in the cognitive science of religion, showing how they can account for the diversity of religious beliefs around the world, and provide a robust explanation of how these beliefs are formed. I also argue that the cognitive science of religion need not be seen as undermining the rationality of religious belief, but rather can be compatible with the thesis that religious beliefs are epistemically justified for the believer, regardless of their particular faith. |
| Supervisor | Goff, Philip Anthony |
| Department | Philosophy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2015/morris_heather.pdf |
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