Sú spontánne teistické presvedčenia epistemicky oprávnené?
Are Spontaneous Theistic Beliefs Epistemically Justified?

Summary/Abstract: Several philosophers have challenged the claim that theistic beliefs are reasonable or justified in the sense that they originate in cognitive malfunctioning or in cognitive proper function but it is aimed at something different than the truth. Alvin Plantinga proposes a€model of cognitive mechanism – sensus divinitatis – which explains spontaneous emergence of theistic beliefs and provides a€warrant for their reliability. Plantinga argues that often it is reasonable to believe something even without rational reasons. Theistic belief in the existence of God is one of such beliefs. We were created by God in a€way that we naturally believe in other minds, in the existence of the world, and in the existence of God without argument or reasons that support these beliefs. L. Zagzebski also supports the view that naturally emerged theistic belief is reasonable. Her argument starts from epistemic universalism that basic trust in our intellectual faculties and opinions commits us to trust others. Therefore, the fact that many people believe in God can be a€prima facie a€good reason to believe that God exists. If it is not defeated by other trusted aspects of the self, such as the emotions of admiration or disapproval, it is reasonable to believe in God. Both of these epistemic positions together offer a€stronger support for the reasonableness of theistic belief in God.

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