Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A Pragmatist's Arguments for the Existence of God

I like logical reasoning, which I must admit is a bit unusual for a Franciscan. I like this argument for free will from William James, an American pragmatist philosopher. It would be true for the universe of discourse of beliefs.

Anything not disproved that is of practical value to one's life to believe ought to be believed.
Free will isn't disproved.
If free will is of practical value to one's life to believe, then it ought to be believed.

I applied the same line of reasoning to the existence of a personal God.

Anything not disproved that is of practical value to one's life to believe ought to be believed.
The existence of a personal God isn't disproved
If the existence of a personal God is of practical value to one's life to believe, then it ought to be believed.

I like this argument from James, as well.

The belief in God gives practical life benefits (courage, peace, zeal, love, compassion, mercy, etc.)
All beliefs that give practical life benefits are pragmatically justifiable.
The belief in God is pragmatically justifiable.