7 Reading Summary

What is evidence?

Reality (evidence) is based on causality i.e., if this than that or if this not, than that not

• If this

  • Shoelaces being untied

• than that

  • Seeing the shoelaces as being untied

Non-Causality would remove the possibility of evidence

Otherwise if the shoelaces are untied and you could see both

• seeing shoelaces as being untied

• seeing shoelaces as being tied

Rationality follows cause and effect and hence = reality = evidence

Rational beliefs mirror reality. Rational beliefs arise from cause and effect of observing reality.

• Light hitting the untied shoelaces are reflected into my retina

• I am aware of what I am seeing

• I see the shoelaces being untied

Check whether your thought processes represent reality i.e.,

• end up believing 'snow is white' if and only if snow is white and not otherwise

Making beliefs pay rent

Beliefs should include the anticipation of specific consequences

Recommended Approach

• What to anticipate > what to believe

  • what does the beliefs predict or prohibit?

Discouraged Approach

• Beliefs that do not allow for anticipation or world modelling