The Ethics of Belief Essay Questions

1. Explain the shipowner thought experiment. Do you agree with Clifford’s conclusion that the shipowner is guilty? Why or why not?

2. Explain Clifford’s argument that it is always wrong to believe something on insufficient evidence. Are there any counter-examples to this argument? How would Clifford respond? Is Clifford’s argument compelling? Why or why not?

3. Clifford argues that it is always wrong to believe something on insufficient evidence. What, if anything, do you think would count as sufficient evidence for the existence of God? Defend your answer.