The will to make-believe : religious fictionalism, religious beliefs, and the value of art
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Philosophy and Phenomenological Research
Publication Date
8-4-2016
Volume
Advance online publication
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
Abstract
I explore some of the reasons why, under specific circumstances, it may be rational to make-believe or imagine certain religious beliefs. Adopting a jargon familiar to certain contemporary philosophers, my main concern here is to assess what reasons can be given for adopting a fictionalist stance towards some religious beliefs. My understanding of fictionalism does not involve solely a propositional attitude but a broader stance, which may include certain acts of pretence. I also argue that a plausible reason to be fictionalist about a specific set of religious beliefs and practices has to do with the value of some artistic creations; namely, those that require the adoption of a religious point of view for their understanding.
DOI
10.1111/phpr.12328
Print ISSN
00318205
E-ISSN
19331592
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2016 Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, LLC. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Sauchelli, A. (2016). The will to make-believe: Religious fictionalism, religious beliefs, and the value of art. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/phpr.12328