On Doxastic Justification and its (Supposed) Basing Requirement

Dr Paul Silva (Monash University)

Abstract: It is a dogma of contemporary epistemology that doxastic justification (= having a justified belief) requires that one hold that belief on the basis of an epistemically appropriate reason. This demand has been used to support various other epistemological doctrines. I will argue that there is next to no reason to think there is a basing demand on doxastic justification. That is, I will argue that it is possible to have a justified belief that is based on the worst possible reasons: e.g., tarot card readings, irrational bias, coin flips, etc. I will also argue that even should the basing demand be correct, it would fail to be of dialectical value.