How Long to Read W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief"

How Long Does it Take to Read W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief"?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 20 minutes to read W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief" by Timothy Madigan

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

W. K. Clifford (1845-1879) was a noted mathematician and popularizer of science in the Victorian era. Although he made major contributions in the field of geometry, he is perhaps best known for a short essay he wrote in 1876, entitled "The Ethics of Belief", in which he argued that "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for any one, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence." Delivered initially as an address to the august Metaphysical Society (whose members included such luminaries as Alfred Lord Tennyson, William Gladstone, T. H. Huxley, and assorted scientists, clerics and philosophers of differing metaphysical views, "The Ethics of Belief" became a rallying cry for freethinkers and a bone of contention for religious apologists. It continues to be discussed today as an exemplar of what is called 'evidentialism', a key point in current philosophy of religion debates over justification of knowledge claims. In this book, Timothy J. Madigan examines the continuing relevance of "The Ethics of Belief" to epistemological and ethical concerns. He places the essay within the historical context, especially the so-called 'Victorian Crisis of Faith' of which Clifford was a key player. Clifford's own life and interests are dealt with as well, along with the responses to his essay by his contemporaries, the most famous of which was William James's "The Will to Believe." Madigan provides an overview of modern-day critics of Cliffordian evidentialism, as well as examining thinkers who were positively influenced by him, including Bertrand Russell, who was perhaps Clifford's most influential successor as an advocate of intellectual honesty. The book ends with a defense of "The Ethics of Belief" from a virtue-theory approach, and argues that Clifford utilizes an "as-if" methodology to encourage intellectual inquiry and communal truth-seeking.' The Ethics of Belief' continues to provoke and stimulate controversy, which was perhaps Clifford's own fondest hope, although he had no right to believe it would do so.

How long is W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief"?

W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief" by Timothy Madigan is 200 pages long, and a total of 50,000 words.

This makes it 67% the length of the average book. It also has 61% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief" Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 4 hours and 33 minutes to read W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief" aloud.

What Reading Level is W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief"?

W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief" is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief"?

W. K. Clifford and "The Ethics of Belief" by Timothy Madigan is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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