In "The Fixation of Belief", Charles S. Peirce attempts to explain his four methods of establishing belief, in which he says all people have. These methods can be put to the test with any subject matter, and one shall always fit.

For instance, let us look at the broad but always hot topic of religious matters, or affairs. First, take into account Peirce's first method, which is the method of tenacity. Its definition is, "taking as answer to a question any we may fancy, and constantly reiterating it to ourselves, dwelling on all which may conduce to that belief, and learning to turn with contempt and hatred from anything that might disturb it." There is a very strong argument that this could be the method of choice for religious belief. Take apart the definition, for a moment and you might begin to see this. As it talks about constantly reiterating the belief to ourselves, it may very well be said that this could be construed as going to church each week.. What happens in church? Well, we pray, sing, give thanks and offerings, all that we may be reminded that our purpose in life is to serve our Lord with gladness and with all of our hearts at all times. The part that I do not se

The main reason that politics does not belong in the method of tenacity, is the fact that, even though there are many different beliefs, people are always open to new suggestions, which is not what the method of tenacity champions. It wants you to believe in something, and put earplugs on, so as to not hear any blasphemy from other parties about their beliefs.

In closing, each of these four methods is used daily by each and every one of us in different subject-matters. They are all very valid, and show the intelligent and logical thinking that Charles S. Peirce obviously possessed. It is absolutely astonishing that an article originally published in November 1877 is still extremely useful in modern-day society.

It is obvious by simple explanations that in religious matters, one would need to use the method of authority in the establishment of their beliefs.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1456
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)