Sentiment influences belief from "summary" of A Treatise of Human Nature: Texts by David Hume
In our daily experience, we often find that our beliefs about the world are influenced by our sentiments or emotions. When we have a strong feeling towards something, whether it be love, fear, or anger, it can color our perception and judgment of that thing. This is because our sentiments have the power to sway our beliefs in a particular direction, even in the absence of strong evidence or reasoning. For example, if we have a deep affection for a person, we may be more inclined to believe in their honesty and trustworthiness, even if there are indications to the contrary. On the other hand, if we have a strong aversion towards a certain idea or concept, we may be quick to dismiss any evidence that supports it, simply because it goes against our preconceived sentiments. This phenomenon can be seen in various aspects of human life, from personal relationships to political beliefs. Our sentiments can cloud our judgment and prevent us from seeing things objectively, leading us to hold on to beliefs that may not be grounded in reality. In this way, our sentiments can act as a filter through which we interpret the world around us, shaping our beliefs and influencing our actions. It is important to be aware of this influence and strive to overcome it by relying on reason and evidence rather than allowing our emotions to dictate our beliefs.- Understanding how our sentiments influence our beliefs can help us become more self-aware and critical thinkers, capable of making informed decisions based on sound reasoning rather than irrational feelings. By recognizing the power of our emotions in shaping our beliefs, we can strive towards a more objective and rational understanding of the world.
