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Glauben und Handeln aus Gründen: Die neuere Debatte zur Stützungsrelation

Jean Moritz Müller

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When we are looking to understand why holds a certain belief or performs a certain action, we will usually enquire about her reasons. For example, we might be interested in why someone believes that Hertha BSC will return to first league, or why they support a certain political party. Often, the central issue is whether a belief or action is justified: we want to know whether the reasons for which someone believes something (or performs some action) are also good reasons to believe (do) what they believe (are doing). In many cases, however, our primary aim is simply to understand what motivates someone or leads her*him to hold a certain belief or perform a certain action. At the heart of this seminar lies the question of what it means to believe or act for a reason. In the epistemological literature on this topic, this question is frequently answered by invoking the concept of the basing relation: reasons for belief are that on which beliefs are based, in a sense that requires further elucidation. While this approach has traditionally been restricted to reasons for belief, recent philosophical work has sought to broaden concept of the basing relation in ways that make it applicable also to reasons for action. Thus, there is a tendency toward an intensive exchange between theoretical and practical philosophy. Previously isolated debates are now being conducted within a broader framework, opening up new and interesting perspectives on reasons for belief and reasons for action. The seminar will primarily take the form of plenary discussions of the texts assigned for each session. By successfully participating in this course, students will acquire an advanced understanding of central positions in the current debate on the basing relation, as well as the ability to critically evaluate key contributions to this debate and situate them within a broader dialectical context. Moreover, students will further develop their capacity for the critical assessment of philosophical arguments. If the course content or examination formats pose difficulties for you due to disability, language, health, financial, or other barriers, please feel free to contact the instructor. Wherever possible, appropriate accommodations will be made close