William James's "The Will to Believe"

William James's "The Will to Believe" argues that in certain situations, especially when evidence is insufficient, it is justifiable to adopt a belief through commitment rather than certainty. He contends that when decisions are forced, momentous, and lack definitive proof, choosing to believe builds meaningful engagement with life and can be morally permissible. James emphasizes that the will to believe is necessary for human growth and purpose, advocating for rational faith in propositions that cannot be settled purely through evidence, provided the matter is genuinely important and the decision is a genuine option.