William Clifford, The Ethics Of Belief - Veracity, Knowledge, and Judgement  - Sadler's Lectures

William Clifford, The Ethics Of Belief - Veracity, Knowledge, and Judgement - Sadler's Lectures

Author: Lectures on classic and contemporary philosophical texts and thinkers by Gregory B. Sadler May 29, 2026 Duration: 15:29
This lecture discusses the William Clifford's 1877 essay "The Ethics Of Belief", in which he makes and argued for the central claim "it is wrong always, everywhere, and for any one, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence." It focuses on Clifford's criteria for determining when and whether we ought to give credence to the testimony of other people, especially those who have made assertions we cannot directly verify. He identifies three key qualities we can look for in these persons, namely: veracity, knowledge, and judgement, explains what they are, and applies them to some example cases. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO You can find over 4,000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Get Clifford's The Ethics of Belief - https://amzn.to/41WkkYA

For those drawn to deep, sustained engagement with ideas, Sadler's Lectures offers a quiet space for intellectual exploration. Guided by Gregory B. Sadler, this audio series transforms his extensive library of video lectures into a purely auditory experience, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in close readings and thoughtful commentaries on philosophical works. The discussions span the entire tradition, from the foundational texts of Plato and Aristotle to the complex arguments of modern and contemporary thinkers. Each episode functions as a self-contained lecture, carefully unpacking concepts, tracing arguments, and clarifying the nuances that make these texts enduring. The approach is scholarly yet accessible, prioritizing clarity and understanding over performative debate. This podcast is built for anyone seeking to supplement their studies, revisit classic ideas, or simply think alongside a knowledgeable guide during a commute or walk. The existence and ongoing conversion of this material into podcast form is made possible directly by listener support through Patreon, a testament to the community value found in this educational resource. Tune in for a direct, unadorned journey through the landscapes of philosophy, one thinker and one text at a time.
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