What is doxastic voluntarism?

Answer

Doxastic voluntarism, in short, is the concept that individuals willingly choose their beliefs. While the Bible states that each individual is accountable for their beliefs, it also suggests that some beliefs are influenced by God’s work. Both of these principles are partially related to the two main interpretations of doxastic voluntarism.

The issue of whether a person “chooses” their beliefs can be divided into two distinct forms. The first form is direct doxastic voluntarism, which suggests that a person directly and immediately selects their beliefs. In this scenario, a person would decide, “I choose to believe Fact X,” and then promptly accept Fact X as true. The second form is indirect doxastic voluntarism, which proposes that a person selects which beliefs to examine and can voluntarily seek experiences to test or alter those beliefs.

Neither of these concepts equates to choosing to behave as if an idea is true. Acting in a certain manner does not necessitate being convinced of any specific belief. Consequently, doxastic voluntarism does not mandate that a person act in a particular way based on their beliefs. Whether an individual’s actions align with their beliefs is a separate matter. By combining these points, we differentiate between the intellectual “belief” addressed by doxastic voluntarism and the spiritual “belief” mentioned in the Bible. The Bible’s portrayal of “belief” conveys trust and loyalty, while the doxastic notion remains purely theoretical.

Philosophers typically dismiss the notion of direct doxastic voluntarism. The concept that one can simply decide to believe something as true contradicts both common sense and personal experience. It might be tempting to argue that direct doxasTic voluntarism is also unbiblical, based on the idea of predestination. Particularly, according to Reformed interpretations, the notion that a person has the power to believe or not believe, entirely on his own power, is false. However, it is important to note that these concepts involve different meanings of the word belief. The Bible mentions those who appear, intellectually, to accept certain ideas but do not demonstrate the submissive, saving “belief” relevant to spiritual matters (see James 2:19; Matthew 7:21-23).

In contrast, indirect doxastic voluntarism is more widely accepted as true. This interpretation suggests that individuals cannot choose what they believe, but they can decide whether or not they will subject their beliefs to scrutiny. A common analogy for this concept is learning to play a musical instrument. A person cannot simply “choose” to play a musical instrument well. However, they can choose to take lessons, understanding that it will guide them in the right direction. They can also choose which instruments to pursue and which to avoid. Applied to belief selection, a person can—indirectly—determine what to believe through investigation and lack of investigation.

Indirect doxastic voluntarism aligns well with the Bible’s approach to faith and (spiritual) belief. Scripture indicates that we are expected to examine our own beliefs «Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? », (2 Corinthians 13:5), to investigate what we are told «These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. », (Acts 17:11), and to adhere to the truth we discover (John 5:39-40). While the Bible indicates that genuine faith necessitates an act of God «No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. », (John 6:44), it also suggests that there is ample evidence in human experience for individuals to be responsible for seeking the truth (Psalm 19:1;Matthew 7:7-8). Consequently, the Bible provides a highly logical argument for stating that all individuals are “without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20). According to Scripture, individuals are accountable for their beliefs, even if they cannot simply “choose” those beliefs. This, more or less, is precisely what indirect doxastic voluntarism implies.

This conclusion, once again, should be understood in the context that Scripture differentiates between what a person acknowledges in their mind versus what they have faith in and act upon in their heart. The ideas are similar, but doxastic voluntarism does not precisely align with the Bible’s notion of “belief.”

Only a minority of philosophers reject all forms of doxastic voluntarism. According to these viewpoints, intellectual beliefs are entirely involuntary; even the decision to seek information is an unintended result of an individual’s pre-existing state of mind. Rejection of doxastic voluntarism is more prevalent among those who lean towards a strongly deterministic worldview. This perspective could also be seen as consistent with the more extreme versions of divine determinism, but this (once again) is a minority perspective. In practical terms, there is little merit to such an approach, as human experience necessitates the assumption that we can.

and influence the opinions of others.

Scripturally speaking, the two primary interpretations of doxastic voluntarism need to be addressed separately. Direct doxastic voluntarism is not as easily reconciled with the Bible as indirect doxastic voluntarism. The Bible implies that humans have the capacity to seek, search, and question, and it confirms our duty to do so. However, the Bible does not suggest that we have complete control over our own minds; therefore, indirect doxastic voluntarism seems to be the more biblically sound approach. A complete denial of doxastic voluntarism, leading to absolute determinism, is not only lacking in scriptural support but also impractical in real life.