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Rational Optimism.

Matthew F Wilson1,2, Tyler J VanderWeele2,3

  • 1Philosophy, John Brown University, 2000 West University Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 USA.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a new taxonomy of optimism, arguing that some optimistic beliefs, like resourced and agentive optimism, can be rational and epistemically justified. Perspectival optimism is evaluated differently, focusing on practical and moral grounds.

Keywords:
Comparative optimismDispositional optimismEpistemic rationalityOptimismUnrealistic optimism

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Epistemology

Background:

  • Philosophical critiques question the rationality of optimistic beliefs.
  • Existing psychological literature identifies various forms of optimism, sometimes with competing definitions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue for the possibility of rational optimism.
  • To propose a novel four-fold taxonomy of optimistic beliefs.
  • To differentiate between epistemically justifiable and practically evaluated optimism.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a four-fold taxonomy of optimistic beliefs.
  • Philosophical analysis of epistemic justification for different optimism types.
  • Comparison with existing psychological and philosophical literature on optimism.

Main Results:

  • Identified two types of rational optimism: resourced and agentive optimism, grounded in facts about resources and agency.
  • Argued that perspectival optimism is not subject to epistemic scrutiny but practical/moral evaluation.
  • Clarified competing forms of optimism found in psychological research.

Conclusions:

  • Rational optimism is possible and can be epistemically justified under specific conditions.
  • Perspectival optimism offers a new dimension for optimism research, evaluated on practical and moral grounds.
  • The proposed taxonomy advances both philosophical and psychological understanding of optimism.