William James, in “The Will to Believe,” and W. K. Clifford, in “The Ethics of Belief,” are engaged in a philosophical debate regarding whether or not it is morally acceptable hold beliefs without sufficient evidence, in other words, faith-based beliefs.

Description Part I: View This section should be about 1/3 of your paper, and should provide a clear, careful explanation, in your own words (no direct quotations!), of James’ argument. You will be graded on your ability to clearly explain the philosophical argument. Part II: Counterview This section should be about 1/3 of your paper, and should provide a clear, careful explanation, in your own words (no direct quotations!), of Clifford’s response to James. You will be graded on your ability to clearly explain the philosophical argument. Part III: Who Wins? This section should be about 1/3 of your paper, and should be your own explanation of which author you think wins the debate. You will be graded on your ability to think critically and to engage with the material on a level beyond what you have simply read and regurgitated, as well as your ability to support your beliefs with concrete arguments.