Believe Quote by Jerry Fodor
“...if it isn't literally true that my wanting is causally responsible for my reaching, and my itching is causally responsible for my scratching, and my believing is causally responsible for my saying . . . If none of that is literally true, then practically everything I believe about anything is false and it's the end of the world.”
About This Quote
If causal links between mental states and actions are false, then all beliefs become unreliable, leading to existential doubt.
In simple terms: If mental causation fails, beliefs seem false.
Key Takeaway
Question the foundations of belief.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
mind‑body
skepticism
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal introspection
- ethical reasoning
- scientific research
Key Concepts
causal realism
truth theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we need absolute certainty for belief?
- How does this affect daily decision‑making?
A Different Perspective
May be overly radical, ignoring pragmatic belief systems.
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