BELIEF AND CONVICTION

• A belief is a subjective attitude that a proposition is true or a state of affairs is the case. A subjective attitude is a mental state of having some stance, take, or opinion about something. In epistemology, philosophers use the term "belief" to refer to attitudes about the world which can be either true or false.
• Beliefs are often formed through observation, experience, education, and reasoning. They may also arise from cultural background, socialization, and other factors such as religion, media, advertising, and propaganda.
• Most of the time, a conviction is based on proof, facts, and logical thinking. It means that you care a lot about a certain idea, value, or belief.
• Example of a belief

  1. I believe that honesty is always the best policy.
  2. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
  3. I believe that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
  4. I believe that love and kindness can make the world a better place.
  5. I believe that education is important for personal and societal growth.
• The difference between beliefs and convictions lies in their level of commitment and strength. Beliefs are generally held without strong evidence or justification, while convictions require more substantial support and evidence.
• In general, beliefs tend to be less firmly held than convictions because they do not necessarily involve a deep sense of conviction or certainty. While beliefs can be influenced by external factors like culture, upbringing, or peer pressure, convictions are typically shaped by one's own experiences, values, and critical thinking skills.
• Example of conviction

  1. I am convinced that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action.
  2. I am convinced that everyone should have access to affordable healthcare.
  3. I am convinced that racial and social justice are essential for a fair and equitable society.
  4. I am convinced that democratic institutions and processes are crucial for upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights.
  5. I am convinced that violence and hate have no place in our communities and should be condemned and actively opposed.
• Conviction is an unshakable feeling or belief that something is right or wrong. Convictions are deeply-held opinions or principles that guide our actions and decisions. Unlike beliefs, convictions are usually grounded in reason, logic, and empirical evidence rather than mere faith or tradition.