Is "belief" ever more than an indication of insanity?

Question

Realizing;

that truth is reality and vice versa.

and that the denial of truth/reality is deemed to be insanity.

By what other means can one deny truth/reality other than belief(s)?

Note that deception occurs ONLY by the acceptance of belief(s).

In order to refute this ever increasing probability it is essential to state another means by which one can deny reality/truth.

Answer 1

Well, religion has certainly given rise to many a ridiculous thing. I would have to be a believer to answer that. Though I don't consider my self perfectly sane.....

Answer 2

I'm not sure I quite follow your (supposed) logic. I will grant you that truth = reality--we'll just assume that as a given. You then suggest that the denial of truth/reality is insanity. I'll give you that one as well.

They you ask, "By what other means can one deny truth/reality other than belief(s)?" We might (emphasize the word "might") say that those who deny reality are doing so by choosing to believe otherwise. Thus, they are allowing their irrational beliefs to override the rational experience of reality.

However, could we not also say that those who are sane (according to these definitions) do so by believing that reality should be experienced? They believe that it would be wrong to override the experience of reality by trusting in irrational beliefs, so they ensure that the only beliefs they hold are consistent with reality--that their beliefs are rational, in some sense.

The fact is that it is impossible for someone to fail to believe. Belief is a part of the process by which we acquire knowledge. If I can't believe that 2+2=4, it will be extremely difficult--perhaps impossible--for me to ever know that 2+2=4. Thus, the point you are making is not that some people believe while others live in reality. Instead, you are suggesting that some beliefs are more rational than others.

You conclude your question by stating, "Note that deception occurs ONLY by the acceptance of belief(s)." This is true. However, knowledge occurs only by the acceptance of belief(s) as well. Once again, you are not making the distinction that you seem to think you are making. It is not a matter of "belief" versus "non-belief"--it is a question of whether one's beliefs separate him/her from reality or not.

Your suggestion seems to be that those who believe are refusing to experience reality--and that they are (therefore) insane. But I defy you to show me someone who does not have beliefs. By your definition, we are all insane--and we cannot help but be insane.

So recognize that the distinction you seek must be defined much more carefully. We all have beliefs. Some are more productive than others, and some correspond more closely to reality.

Answer 3

First of all, the denial of reality is at best irrationality, which is NOT the same as insanity.

Second, you are assuming that an objective reality (and thereby, "truth") is knowable, which is arguable. You BELIEVE that what you "know" a posteriori is real and not deception, so by your own argument you are insane.

You are positing that sanity can only be achieved by knowledge of that which is a priori, or by logic alone. Good luck with that.

Answer 4

Keep in mind that "Truth" is a relative term and by all accounts, so is reality. My view of Truth and Reality differ from yours therefore making them subjective. Every way of seeing the world is a way of not seeing the world. Therefore, Truth and Reality are forms of Beliefs themselves.

Answer 5

Disbelief or skepticism is a lack of belief.

You could tell me the sky is falling all day, show me photographs and graphs... and I could still choose to withold belief. And that doesn't have to be BASED on any other belief.

also truth is not identical to reality.
Reality is a metaphysical construct.
Truth is an epistemic one.

Answer 6

What if the thing that you believe in is TRUE?
For example:
I believe that the speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second.
And It is![1]

Does having this belief an indication of insanity?
No!
It is an indication of KNOWLEDGE.

IN fact the classical definition of knowledge is:
Justified, true, BELIEF![2]

Answer 7

I don't think it is insanity. It is deep-rooted fear of the unknown. And, most of the time, ignorance. People just follow the bandwagon and get swept along.