Publications and Research
Document Type
Other
Publication Date
Spring 5-27-2021
Abstract
A belief is one’s personal attitude regarding an issue in the universe that contains evidence of truth to it. A delusion can be defined as a peculiar belief that contradicts reality, scientific evidence, and rational thinking, and may be attributed to personality disorders. In order to determine where a delusion is a belief, it is important to recognize the circumstances under which certain beliefs are held. While a delusion sounds similar to a false belief, it is an entirely unique phenomenon. In the case of personality disorders like the Capgras delusion, schizophrenia, and Reverse Othello syndrome individuals genuinely believe in their own version of the truth, despite evidence proving otherwise. Delusions can be constantly occurring as a result of mental health disturbances and fixation on a topic proved false, while beliefs can be adjusted when presented with contradicting evidence. Delusions and beliefs have crossover in realms of interpretation of knowledge, however, in the case of delusions, rational thinking may be absent and replaced by erratic, irrational behavior induced as a result of cognitive dysfunction. Nonetheless, delusions are subjective to the individual and therefore can be considered beliefs, or someone’s own personal truth.
Comments
Capstone paper for PHI 4900.