Explain the characteristics of a belief that is live, forced, and momentous. Give examples for each. What kind of belief fits all three? Has James found an exception to Clifford’s standard for belief? Do you agree more with Clifford or James?
A hypothesis that is live is one that consists of having relevance and have some appeal or pull towards the audience. An example of this would be if I asked a little boy if he wanted a cookie or ice cream. This would be considered a live hypothesis because: one it is relevant to the boy and two it is appealing and pulling, like who doesn’t want to have cookie or ice cream? A option that is forced would be a question that you couldn’t avoid or a “no standing place outside of the alternative” (James 1). An example of a forced hypothesis would be “either take this cookie or do not”, as you can see there is no escape from the question or its unavoidable either the cookie is taken or it isn’t. A option or hypothesis that is momentous would be a once in a lifetime kind of option. For example, if someone came up to you and asked, ” Do you want to take a free trip to space”, this is a momentous option or hypothesis because it’s not a legit question that you are asked everyday. An example of all three of these hypothesis that James used is religion because either that belief leads too big rewards “even now” as James tells us and it is forced because this is a huge hypothesis you can’t escape because it is either you are or you are not. Lastly this topic of religion would be considered living as well because this question is relevant and has some appeal or interest to all people. James has found an exception for Clifford’s standard of belief because this is based off of his experience which James claims to be a bias of fear and has no prevalence to the real world because people are still going to take risks. I do agree with James in his stance against Clifford’s standard of belief, however I do believe that Clifford’s stance is valid even if it doesn’t stop people there is still some truth involved with Clifford’s message.
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Really Deep Feelings That Are Just Being Talked About 
I concur with you that although Clifford’s stance maybe a little far-fetched compared to James, in the sense that whether or not a belief is right or wrong is going to stop someone from holding that belief, Clifford’s argument is still valid, because his premises are valid. The two have different stances, but valid and sound premises which make their thesis’ supportable.
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