There is an epistemological issue that has to do with how our beliefs are justified. The internalism/externalism issue has to do with whether the internal state of a person is what justifies that person's beliefs. There are different kinds of internalism and externalism. One form of internalism holds that one needs to be aware of the reasons why he believes in X in order to be justified in believing in X. The corresponding form of externalism denies this. It says that one does not need to know the reasons why he believes something in order to be justified in believing it. A second form of internalism holds that what justifies any belief is some mental state of the person holding that belief. The corresponding form of externalism holds that something other than a person's mental state is what justifies a belief. A third form of internalism holds that the justification of a person's beliefs has to do with whether that person is fulfilling his or her intellectual duties or responsibilities. The corresponding form of externalism holds that the justification of one's beliefs would be analyzed in terms other than one's duties or responsibilities.
The viewpoint called "Reformed Epistemology" is an example of externalism. This viewpoint teaches that if a person's belief is formed by properly functioning cognitive faculties whose design plan is aimed at truth when that person is in circumstances appropriate to the proper functioning of those faculties, then that person's belief is warranted. Alvin Plantinga advocates this viewpoint and uses it to justify his belief in God.
Do you agree with internalism or externalism? I favor internalism because 1 Peter 3:15 teaches that believers must be prepared to give an answer when someone asks you about the hope that you have. The context of this verse has to do with suffering for doing good. Believers put their hope in Christ and other people might ask you about why you put your hope in Christ.
The viewpoint called "Reformed Epistemology" is an example of externalism. This viewpoint teaches that if a person's belief is formed by properly functioning cognitive faculties whose design plan is aimed at truth when that person is in circumstances appropriate to the proper functioning of those faculties, then that person's belief is warranted. Alvin Plantinga advocates this viewpoint and uses it to justify his belief in God.
Do you agree with internalism or externalism? I favor internalism because 1 Peter 3:15 teaches that believers must be prepared to give an answer when someone asks you about the hope that you have. The context of this verse has to do with suffering for doing good. Believers put their hope in Christ and other people might ask you about why you put your hope in Christ.
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