Staying true with the help of others: doxastic self-control through interpersonal commitment.

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Mind
• Epistemology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Doxastic self-control, the ability to regulate one's own beliefs, is crucial for cognitive functioning.
• Existing research often focuses on intrapersonal strategies, neglecting the role of social interaction.
• Epistemic temptations, such as biases or misinformation, challenge belief stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the possibility and rationality of interpersonal mechanisms for doxastic self-control.
• To identify and analyze specific social strategies individuals can employ to maintain their beliefs.
• To evaluate the epistemic justification of these interpersonal control methods.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of interpersonal epistemic commitments.
• Examination of belief avowal as a strategy for accountability.
• Analysis of collective belief formation as a mechanism for belief maintenance.
• Philosophical argumentation regarding the rationality of these strategies.

Main Results:

• Interpersonal epistemic commitments, specifically belief avowal and collective belief, are viable mechanisms for doxastic self-control.
• These strategies involve willingly undertaking accountability to others to resist epistemic temptations.
• The self-control facilitated by these interpersonal methods is epistemically rational.

Conclusions:

• Social interaction offers effective and rational tools for individuals seeking to control their beliefs.
• Belief avowal and collective belief represent practical interpersonal strategies for strengthening conviction.
• Future research could investigate the empirical efficacy and nuances of these social doxastic control mechanisms.