The Will to Doubt (ePub)

Alfred H. Lloyd (1864-1927) was an American philosopher and educator whose contributions to the field of philosophy, especially pragmatism, have been recognized by his contemporaries as well as later scholars. Born in the latter half of the 19th century, Lloyd's intellectual journey was shaped by the burgeoning intellectual movements of his time, particularly by the pragmatic approach favored by thinkers like Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. His work often revolved around the concept of belief, doubt, and their roles in the development of knowledge and action. Lloyd was deeply interested in the interplay between individual conviction and skepticism, a theme poignantly explored in his well-regarded book 'The Will to Doubt' (1907), in which he argued for the importance of doubt as a critical aspect of intellectual inquiry and personal belief systems. The book reflects Lloyd's view that maintaining a balance between belief and doubt is crucial for progressive thought and was indicative of his broader philosophical stance-one that favored a perpetually inquisitive and dynamic approach to understanding the world. As a scholar, Lloyd made significant contributions not just through his writings but also as an academic leader at the University of Michigan, where he served as a professor and eventually as an administrator. His legacy endures in the philosophical community through his persistent call for critical questioning and his advocacy of a philosophy that actively engages with the challenges of the modern era.