A Minimalist Threshold for Epistemically Irrational Beliefs

Abstract This chapter discusses the theory of Minimalism in belief, proposing that beliefs, regardless of their epistemic irrationality, always retain a minimal level of rationality. It contrasts Minimalism with traditional views, which focus on beliefs’ evidence-responsiveness and the capacity for revision. Traditionalism struggles to explain beliefs that seem resistant to evidence, while Minimalism offers a clearer understanding by defining belief as a cognitive state that reacts to detected irrationality. The chapter also explores how Minimalism accounts for delusions, suggesting they can still be considered beliefs if they show minimal rationality, such as a response to contradictions. Finally, it connects Minimalism to cognitive dissonance and provides a framework for distinguishing belief from other attitudes like imagination or acceptance, thus enhancing cognitive science’s ability to predict belief behavior.