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Mark Boespflug, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Fort Lewis College

Can you choose to believe something, just like that?

I decide, therefore I believe? duoogle/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Some years ago, I was in a lively conversation with a software developer about arguments for and against God’s existence. After discussing their merits and shortcomings, he paused – perhaps a little impatiently – and said, “You know, these arguments really don’t matter that much. I choose to believe in God. Believing is so valuable for my life.”

But is that how belief works – can you simply choose to believe?

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