William K. Clifford

William K. Clifford was a 19th-century mathematician and philosopher known for his strong views on ethics and belief. He argued that it’s immoral to believe in something without sufficient evidence, especially if such beliefs influence actions or others’ lives. Clifford believed that forming beliefs responsibly requires examining the evidence carefully and avoiding wishful thinking, emphasizing that our beliefs should be based on rational inquiry. His ideas highlight the importance of evidence and integrity in forming beliefs, influencing discussions on ethics, science, and rationality.