On External Factors in the Process of Belief Formation and Their Impact on Moral Responsibility

This paper examines the degree of control humans have over their beliefs and their moral responsibility. The allegory of the cave from Plato's Ideal State is cited to illustrate how external factors can influence an individual's belief formation. In addition, reference is made to David Hume and Immanuel Kant's view that people's knowledge and cognitive structures also influence their beliefs. Finally, it is concluded that people lack the free will to shape their beliefs independently due to external factors and therefore should not be held responsible for them.