Believe What We Think!: The Spinozan Theory of Mind

How do we acquire beliefs? According to the Spinozan model, merely having a thought entails believing it. Only through a further, effortful process can one reject automatically-accepted beliefs. This paper supersedes and extends previous expositions of the Spinozan model in four ways. First, we introduce the mechanisms of the model, by characterizing the interactions of acceptance, rejection, and endorsement. Second, we present recent developmental and theoretical work that supports the Spinozan model. Third, we draw out some sociopolitical implications of having a Spinozan mind, particularly for fake news and misinformation. Finally, we extend the model from its traditional domain, belief acquisition, to belief updating and action. The result provides the foundation for a psychofunctional model of belief proper.