Graduation Year
2022
Date of Submission
12-2021
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
Reader 1
Briana Toole
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2022 Sophie M Gitlin
Abstract
It is undisputed that our actions have the power to wrong others; every decision we make that turns into action can directly or indirectly affect people. This sentiment is less obvious and less accepted when it comes to beliefs. This thesis explores doxastic wronging, or the idea that we can wrong others based on what we believe about them. Through several case studies, I attempt to modify Rima Basu’s criteria of what constitutes a doxastic wrong and develop a modified interpretation of the view that says in order to wrong others by belief the agent must (1) be a participating member of society; (2) hold a belief that is directed at a family member, friend, or someone that they have an intimate relationship with; (3) harm that person not by the actions that lead up to or follow belief formation but rather by the belief itself. However, I will show that this modification faces challenges of its own.
Recommended Citation
Gitlin, Sophie, "The Wrongness of Belief: An Analysis of Rima Basu’s Work on Doxastic Wronging" (2022). CMC Senior Theses. 2905.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/2905
