Universität zu Köln

Ohlhorst, Jakob (2018). HOW TO TRAGICALLY DECEIVE YOURSELF. Ateliers Ethique, 13 (2). S. 48 - 70. MONTREAL: UNIV MONTREAL, FAC ARTS & SCIENCES. ISSN 1718-9977

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Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of tragic self-deception. Taking the basic notion that self-deception is motivated belief against better evidence, I argue that there are extreme cases of self-deception even when the contrary evidence is compelling. These I call cases of tragic self-deception. Such strong evidence could be argued to exclude the possibility of self-deception; it would be a delusion instead. To sidestep this conclusion, I introduce the Wittgensteinian concept of certainties or hinges: acceptances that are beyond evidential justification. One particular type of certainties-iHinges, which are adopted for motivational reasons-explain the phenomenon of tragic self-deception: they warrant the subject's dismissal of the evidence without loss of rationality from the subject's point of view. Subsequently, I deal with some objections that can be raised against this account of self-deception.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Ohlhorst, Jakob UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-185599
DOI:	10.7202/1059499ar
Journal or Publication Title:	Ateliers Ethique
Volume:	13
Number:	2
Page Range:	S. 48 - 70
Date:	2018
Publisher:	UNIV MONTREAL, FAC ARTS & SCIENCES
Place of Publication:	MONTREAL
ISSN:	1718-9977
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language SELF-DECEPTION Multiple languages Ethics Multiple languages
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/18559