Feelings of Believing: Psychology, History, Phenomenology

Ryan Hickerson's book "Feelings of Believing" argues that believing is fundamentally affective and that doxastic sentimentalism is more central to modern epistemology than recognized. He suggests that virtuous believers pay careful attention to their own sentiments and attempt to raise their beliefs to the level of judgments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his groundbreaking work, "Feelings of Believing: Psychology, History, Phenomenology," Ryan Hickerson explores the profound connection between belief and emotion. He reveals that philosophers ranging from Hume to Descartes, Husserl to William James, all regarded believing as a fundamental feeling. Hickerson argues that doxastic sentimentalism, the belief that believing is inherently emotional, holds a central place in modern epistemology, which has been overlooked by philosophers. By examining the empirical psychology of overconfidence and attention, Hickerson demonstrates that belief is fundamentally affective.

When we bring the empirical psychology of overconfidence and attention to bear on the history of philosophy and the phenomenology of believing, we see a clear pattern: belief is inherently emotional. This understanding has the potential to enhance our belief practices by encouraging us to question unexamined certainties and to focus on our credulity. Hickerson argues that believing is often felt but not given attention by the believer. He suggests that virtuous believers are those who pay careful attention to their own sentiments and strive to elevate their beliefs to the level of judgments.

Hickerson's work challenges traditional views of belief as a cognitive process and emphasizes the emotional dimension of belief. By exploring the feelings associated with believing, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own beliefs and develop strategies for improving our belief formation and evaluation. This understanding has implications not only for the field of philosophy but also for fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and religious studies, as it sheds light on the nature of human belief and the factors that influence it.

In conclusion, "Feelings of Believing: Psychology, History, Phenomenology" by Ryan Hickerson is a groundbreaking work that explores the emotional dimension of belief. By demonstrating the connection between belief and emotion, Hickerson challenges traditional views of belief and highlights the importance of doxastic sentimentalism in modern epistemology. This understanding has the potential to improve our belief practices and enhance our understanding of human belief and its impact on our lives.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 215 x 156 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498577199