skyfire_freckles said:
So you are saying that when someone says, "I don't believe in blue unicorns," they are actually saying, "I see no reason to believe blue unicorns exist?"
Not necessarily, but it is most definitely something that can be encompassed by the statement.
No. That's not what they said. They didn't say those words, nor did they say, "I don't think blue unicorns exist," Or "I'm not certain whether blue unicorns exist or not." They said, "I do not believe in blue unicorns."
Equally, when someone says "I do not believe in blue unicorns." they are
not saying "I believe blue unicorns don't exist." they are saying "I do not believe in blue unicorns."
A negative belief is still a belief.
Yes, but a lack of a belief is not a belief at all.
Until it can be proved whether blue unicorns exist or do not exist conclusively, one can only have beliefs about blue unicorns, not knowledge.
Just because you necessarily lack knowledge, doesn't mean you must have belief instead.
It's quite possible to lack both.
