edenism

Q: Is it better to hold a false belief that is beneficial or to hold a true belief that is harmful?

A: By definition it is better to hold the false belief since it is beneficial, but something about this seems wrong.

Q: What is wrong?

A: I want to say that it is because it is impossible for a false belief to be beneficial, but clearly there can be specific circumstances where this is true. Placebo is one example. Perhaps because in general false beliefs are harmful? But still that does not mean the question is ill-constructed. Perhaps because there is intrinsic value to having true beliefs.

Q: Is it reasonable to say that the aesthetic value of having true beliefs is secondary to tangible benefits to life and happiness?

A: Yes.

Q: Say a prophet comes and you must decide whether to subscribe to his religion. Then you would make this decision on the basis of whether you think believing his claims would be beneficial rather than on the basis of whether you belief his claims are justified?

A: Yes, but no prophet would accept me as a follower on the basis of this. Religion requires believing that the claims are justified, not merely that believing in the claims is beneficial.

Q: When grappling with the same problem, Jesus says:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)