Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

1-1981

Abstract

The background to this paper is the question of how rational belief is possible in the light of the commonly presented infinite regress in reasons. The paper investigates the neglected question of whether this regress is vicious. I argue that given the genuine requirements of rational belief, the regress would require the rational believer to hold an infinity of beliefs, which is impossible. The regress would not entail the rational believer holding an infinitely complex belief, which, admittedly, would be logically impossible.

Discipline

Philosophy

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

American Philosophical Quarterly

Volume

18

Issue

1

First Page

85

Last Page

88

ISSN

0003-0481

Publisher

University of Pittsburgh

Additional URL

https://www.jstor.org/stable/20013895

Included in

Philosophy Commons

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