I think it is problematic that there is no immediate observable difference in behavior between the beliefs. I guess this is asking—how does Perplexed know he has the stronger belief?
[nevermind this second paragraph, omitted, the lines between actions, beliefs, and choices seem so murky to me, I don’t think there’s any point in pursuing them]
I think it is problematic that there is no immediate observable difference in behavior between the beliefs. I guess this is asking—how does Perplexed know he has the stronger belief?
I suppose I could respond “If there is no difference in what behavior would be rational for me to exhibit, what makes you think that one belief is stronger than the other?”.
There is one hypothetical behavior difference, though. A more cautious atheist, confronted with a hypothetical Judgment Day, will simply say “Well, what do you know? God exists after all!” He will then do his Bayesian updating and proceed about his business. Whereas I, having been too impulsive in my youth, will wander around muttering to myself, “I notice that I am confused”.
That is a difference in behavior, hypothetically at least. Now, if only I knew that this is the way I would hypothetically behave, then I could answer your original question.
I think it is problematic that there is no immediate observable difference in behavior between the beliefs. I guess this is asking—how does Perplexed know he has the stronger belief?
[nevermind this second paragraph, omitted, the lines between actions, beliefs, and choices seem so murky to me, I don’t think there’s any point in pursuing them]
I suppose I could respond “If there is no difference in what behavior would be rational for me to exhibit, what makes you think that one belief is stronger than the other?”.
There is one hypothetical behavior difference, though. A more cautious atheist, confronted with a hypothetical Judgment Day, will simply say “Well, what do you know? God exists after all!” He will then do his Bayesian updating and proceed about his business. Whereas I, having been too impulsive in my youth, will wander around muttering to myself, “I notice that I am confused”.
That is a difference in behavior, hypothetically at least. Now, if only I knew that this is the way I would hypothetically behave, then I could answer your original question.