[SydPhil] Reminder: Macquarie University Ethics and Agency Research Centre Public Lecture on Belief as Emotion: Understanding religion, politics, bias

[Macquarie University Ethics and Agency Research Centre]

Dear All,



This is a friendly reminder that you are warmly invited to join us for public lecture on "Public Lecture: Belief as Emotion: Understanding religion, politics, bias", given by Dr. Miriam Schleifer McCormick.

Abstract: In typical theories about belief, ​ an ideal believer is a flawless information-processing system. Of course, we fail because of our human limitations. We get angry, despondent, dazzled, exuberant, grief-stricken, horny, hungry, lazy, sick, tired, wonderstruck. In this lecture Dr. Miriam Schleifer McCormick offers an alternative picture of belief, proposing that we view belief as a type of emotion. When we believe something, we feel that the way we are representing the world is accurate. Emotions offer such a wide tent, from fear and anger to curiosity and contentment; Dr. Miriam Schleifer McCormick proposes that “belief” be added to the list. This view helps explain a number of puzzles about belief. It offers a better understanding of what are sometimes called “edge cases” of beliefs, ones that seem belief-like but that are hard to fit into most standard pictures of belief. These include delusions, religious and political attitudes, and belief in the context of trust. The view also illuminates the phenomena of self-deception, implicit bias, and deep disagreement. Ideal emotional maintenance is complex; thinking of beliefs as emotions acknowledges and embraces this complexity in our lives as believers.


Dr. Miriam Schleifer McCormick is a professor in the philosophy department<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1jmyCmO5gluWWj4q3CGf4fRfUv0?domain=aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com> at the University of Richmond. Her research focuses on the nature and norms of belief. She also thinks and writes about reasons, skepticism, agency, hope, trust, imagination, and emotions.



This public lecture is hosted by the Macquarie University Ethics and Agency Research Centre. We hope you can join us for this important and engaging lecture, followed by a catered reception.



Details

Date: Thursday 29 May 2025

Time: 6.00-7.30pm (followed by a catered reception)

Venue: Macquarie University City Campus - 123 Pitt Street level 24 Sydney, NSW 2000

Register here.<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gIJZCnx1jnimm7BV2CJhMfJ0cUI?domain=aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com>



Regards,

MQ Ethics and Agency Research Centre

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