IntroductionThe Clifford/James debate or philosophy has various elements attached to it. The most notable aspect of the ideology is the fact that beliefs exist when there is evidence. The theory emphasizes on the need for justification to support every belief. Numerous words have been used to describe the theory. The most notable of these words is evidentialism. According to Clifford, a belief without evidence is immoral. In addition, Clifford indicated that the lack of evidence in belief is foolish.Clifford’s and William’s ArgumentsThere are different arguments, which seek to dispute and contradict Clifford’s theory. William James contends that a belief should not be based on evidence alone. James has acknowledged the critic of Clifford. However, the theories have been said to be closely related. For James, the theory on believing in truth is a fact of his theory. In assessing the theory of Clifford, it is clear that Clifford has his theory based on the fear of error. I strongly believe that the theory based on having sufficient evidence to back-up a belief is not practical, and there are situations that the belief does not require evidence. The Clifford theory seems to have generalized the belief. According to Clifford, beliefs dictate the individual’s behaviors in day-to-day activities. The beliefs of individuals are intertwined with individuals’ actions. This notion is obvious that human beings may not do things depending on their beliefs. In some circumstances, the room for doubt dictates that individuals choose their actions depending on their doubts.In situations whereby the belief conflicts with a doubt, the doubt takes precedence over the belief. According to Clifford, a single belief is linked to numerous beliefs. I think that the notion is overstretched and cannot confirm with the significance of evidence in supporting a belief to be required every time. There are beliefs that have stood independently. The theory that a belief can be attached to those people who follow it is untrue. People can be living together or socially interacting but have different beliefs. The belief of a person may not affect the character of other people. I maintain that the argument that a belief is held by a person in trust for the public is highly questionable because the public does not have beliefs. There are numerous misconception about beliefs as stated by Clifford.On the other hand, in his literature to support the will to believe, William James noted that living is an option whereby one chooses, and the belief is guided by the option that one takes. He also maintains that there are situations that do not require choice, and a person is forced to make the choices. I agree with William James’ concept regarding belief. However, there are claims that the person in question has extraordinary positive way of handling life rather than being forced to make decisions. The components he uses to support his ideology can be joined together to make a clear position.ConclusionThe notion on the belief by Clifford and James is not based on true evidence. There are types of beliefs that do not require any evidence. The notion that beliefs are interlinked together is also not true because there are beliefs that stand independently. Therefore, there is need to have common beliefs to avoid confusion. There is need to create room to amend beliefs to match the prevailing conditions.
