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Explore/Philosophy/Reasons and belief

When should we change a belief?

A reason can support a belief while remaining open to defeat by new evidence.

PhilosophyTopic · Selected readingSome background helpful
Background and goal

Try the short introduction first, or bring equivalent reading experience. Obtain the specified text before beginning the longer reading.

Compare two explanations of a mistaken belief and state what evidence would distinguish them.

Useful preparation

Start here if the background is new. Equivalent experience is enough.

Your pathway

5 steps · 14 hours
  1. 01

    Locate the reading

    0.25h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    First fifteen minutesCheck the edition or article version and locate the passages below. Write the question you want the reading to resolve.
    Your outputEdition and passage record
  2. 02

    Study the opening

    4h · week 1
    Critical Thinking

    David Hitchcock · reference

    Definitions, abilities and assessment examples

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Critical Thinking. A reason can support a belief while remaining open to defeat by new evidence.

    Try thisRead Definitions, abilities and assessment examples. Reconstruct the central argument using premises and a conclusion.
    Your outputArgument reconstruction
    Check your understanding

    Answer this question in your own words: When should we change a belief?

    Hint

    Name the claim, then explain why a reader might accept it.

    Compare with an example answer

    A reason can support a belief while remaining open to defeat by new evidence.

    What to look for

    • States a claim that addresses the question
    • Connects the claim to a passage or observation
    • Separates the author’s argument from personal agreement

    Common mistake: Summarising a biography instead of explaining the argument.

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  3. 03

    Read for contrast

    5h · week 2
    Critical Thinking

    David Hitchcock · reference

    Definitions, abilities and assessment examples

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Critical Thinking. A reason can support a belief while remaining open to defeat by new evidence.

    Try thisRead Definitions, abilities and assessment examples. Compare two passages that put pressure on your initial interpretation.
    Your outputTwo-passage comparison
  4. 04

    Develop an example

    3h · week 3
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisCompare two explanations of a mistaken belief and state what evidence would distinguish them.
    Your outputWorked example
    Check your understanding

    What would make your activity a convincing example?

    Hint

    Compare two explanations of a mistaken belief and state what evidence would distinguish them.

    Compare with an example answer

    A useful response carries out the task: Compare two explanations of a mistaken belief and state what evidence would distinguish them. It records the observation or passage used and explains how it bears on the question.

    What to look for

    • Completes the specific task
    • Shows evidence or reasoning rather than only a conclusion
    • Identifies an alternative explanation or reading

    Common mistake: Presenting an opinion without showing the example it rests on.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  5. 05

    Write a considered response

    1.75h · week 4
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisWrite a response to “When should we change a belief?” that uses both passages and tests its own conclusion. Disagreement alone does not show that all reasons are equally strong.
    Your outputReasoned response with references
    Check your understanding

    What is one conclusion this reading does not establish?

    Hint

    Test the boundary: Disagreement alone does not show that all reasons are equally strong.

    Compare with an example answer

    Disagreement alone does not show that all reasons are equally strong.

    What to look for

    • States a specific limit
    • Explains why the reading does not warrant the stronger conclusion
    • Distinguishes a limitation from dismissing the work

    Common mistake: Treating a useful interpretation as an unrestricted fact.

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All 1 resources

Background, different viewpoints, and further reading.

  • Critical Thinking

    David Hitchcockreferencecore

    A reason can support a belief while remaining open to defeat by new evidence.

    Definitions, abilities and assessment examples