The Ethics of Belief. [By William K. Clifford. A Paper Read Before the Metaphysical Society.]

The Ethics of Belief is a paper read by William K. Clifford before the Metaphysical Society in 1877. It examines the implications of believing in something without adequate evidence. Clifford argues that it is wrong to believe anything without sufficient evidence. He claims that our beliefs should be based on evidence, and that it is immoral to simply accept something as true without proper justification. Clifford also draws a comparison between believing something without evidence and stealing. He states that believing something without sufficient evidence is akin to taking something that does not belong to you. Finally, Clifford insists that people should be held accountable for their beliefs, and that those who believe without sufficient evidence should be held responsible for their actions.