"Without Evidence or Argument"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the philosophies of Kelly James Clark in his essay, "Without Evidence or Argument: A Defense of Reformed Epistemology." The paper discusses the content of the essay and how Clark presents his arguments. The paper specifically focuses on how Clark outlines the reasons that he believes that faith is sufficient for a belief in God.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Summary
Critical Reflection

From the Paper:

"Finally, Clark seems to deliberately misconstrue Clifford's requirements for rational evidence. When Clifford discusses that it is unethical to believe things without evidence, he makes it clear that what he means is that it is unethical for people to believe things without sufficient evidence. Clark attempts to suggest that Clifford would condemn those who believe in verifiable facts, such as the existence of Paraguay. However, Clifford specifically discusses a man's beliefs. Furthermore, Clifford does not condemn those who adhere to facts or beliefs. On the contrary, he states that, "if a man, holding a belief which he was taught in childhood or persuaded of afterwards, keeps down and pushes away any doubts which arise about it in his mind, purposely avoids the reading of books and the company of men that call in question or discuss it, and regards as impious those questions which cannot easily be asked without disturbing it--the life of that man is one long sin against mankind." (Clifford, 1879). He does not suggest that humans must personally experience everything before believing in it, which is how Clark represents Clifford's beliefs. Because Clark's argument is rife with logical and factual errors, it seems unconvincing, even to a person who believes that Faith does not require evidence."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clark, K.J. (Unknown). Without evidence or argument: A defense of reformed epistemology. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from Calvin Virtual Library of Christian Philosophy. Web site: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/philosophy/virtual_library/articles/ clark_kelly_j/without_evidence_or_argument.pdf
• Clifford, W.K. (1879). The ethics of belief. Retrieved September 25, 2008, from Homestead.com Web site: http://ajburger.homestead.com/files/book.htm
• Kemerling, G. (2002). Arguments and inferences. Retrieved September 24, 2008, from the Philosophy Pages.Web site: http://www.philosophypages.com/lg/e01.htm

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