• Live Belief: a live belief is said to be subjective by James. This type only takes place if the person/thinker aligns with the subject matter. The subject matter is realistic, and truly possible. EXAMPLE: a Christian who believes in the possibilities of Heaven and Hell
• Forced Belief: James explains this as giving someone no option to avoid a choice. A fallacy of false dilemma. It either is or it is not. EXAMPLE: You either take the Plea Deal, or face the maximum sentence for your crime.
• Momentous Belief: James explains this as a some what extraordinary opportunity. Something that maybe once in a lifetime. Example: Taking a huge risk to fly to China during the Covid-19 Pandemic!

Not to be funny or controversial but religion comes pretty close to fitting all three. I grew up in a strong Christian house hold. And what i was always told to believe is “either you worship Jesus or you will go to hell” no questions asked. My family has a live belief that Heaven and Hell do exist and that Heaven is THE most extraordinary opportunity to mankind.

In regards to the question if James avoids Cliffords arguments I don’t believe he “avoids” necessarily. Clifford has a somewhat strict belief that one should only believe things that have true justifications, while James tends to break down the definition of “Belief” into sub categories. He doesn’t see things as purely black and white as Clifford does. Which is the bigger reason why I prefer James and how he sees the verb “belief”.

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