A Pure Representational Account of Faith and Desire

The investigation delves into the nature of mental states, specifically focusing on the distinction between different types of attitudes, such as beliefs and desires. The author critiques the traditional philosophical emphasis on the representational content of these attitudes, arguing that the second component, which defines the type of attitude, has been overlooked. The thesis seeks to clarify what constitutes a belief versus a desire, exploring the underlying characteristics that differentiate these mental states and contribute to our understanding of human psychology.