Choosing between Faith and Heresy

Robert Pasnau (University of Colorado, Boulder)

Abstract

Both faith and heresy involve being confident in the truth of a proposition whose truth is less than evident. But whereas the faithful believe in accord with some consensus, the heretic holds a belief that clashes with consensus. In this talk I consider the case for heresy, in three respects. First, I consider the very idea of believing in a proposition whose truth is less than evident. Second, I consider whether there is anything virtuous in in such beliefs when they go against the consensus. Third, I consider whether there is a case to be made for protecting society from heresy. Are there certain beliefs that are so problematic that we should find ways of sanctioning the people who believe them? How should we decide when to intervene?