The Distinguishing Feature of Beliefs
Surajit Barua
Department of Philosophy, Seth Anandram Jaipuria College, Kolkata-700010.
surajitphilosophy@gmail.com
Submitted on: 14.11.2025
Accepted on: 28.06.2026
Abstract: This article explores the question: what individuates the propositional attitude of belief and distinguishes it from other truth-oriented propositional attitudes. It is argued here that a conviction in the proposition, beyond a certain threshold, with an intended global application, is all that individuates belief. To argue for this position, the relationship of belief with credence is explored. The distinction between belief and acceptance is also clarified. The clarification is put to use in explaining how can one have mutually conflicting beliefs at the same time.
Key Words: Belief, Acceptance, Credence, attitude, proposition