Epistemological Considerations on the Problem of Apostasy

This paper deals with apostasy from the viewpoint of the modern epistemology. In this regard, the issue is analyzed in relation to the voluntarism of beliefs, ethics of belief and the effects of non-epistemic factors on beliefs. Through a descriptive-analytical method, the study establishes the idea that apostasy, in the true sense of the word, is not in contrast with the generally accepted principles of contemporary epistemology. According to indirective voluntarism, beliefs are sometimes out of one’s will or control. But when coming to believe in something, one is also obliged to regard the corresponding ethical involvements. Moreover, apostasy should not be judged merely from an epistemic point of view; rather, non-epistemic factors affecting it are to be taken into account as well. Paying attention to each of these cases will be effective in explaining the concept of apostasy. Drawing upon certain modern epistemic attitudes, apostasy may be redefined so as to reconcile it with those attitudes and, thus, make it more defendable.