The psychology of belief

Abstract

"I ought rather to take cognisance of what they practised than of what they said; not only because of the corruption of our manners there are few disposed to speak exactly as they believe, but also because very many are not aware of what it is they really believe, for as the act of mind by which a thing is believed is different from that by which we know we believe it, the one act is often found without the other." Descartes Discourse on Method, Part 111 Blackwoods Edition P. 24. It is refreshing to be able to invoke the prescience of a rationalist as a fitting preface to a preliminary study of the aspects of belief. Seldom in more modern discussions attempted with principles of scientific method do we find so succinct a statement of contradictions inherent in the various processes grouped with conflicting meaning under the verbal heading of belief. Without making Descartes a pragmatist in these matters, we may see the germs of the test of action in belief followed by an appreciation of the introspective uncertainty of its nature and origin.