DiotimosReading Desk

Cognition

Conviction

conviction; convaincre

Conviction can describe the outcome of an argument, but Joubert’s most striking uses expose its judicial or coercive character.

From the book

The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volumes I–II

Joseph Joubert · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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At a Glance

  • The wordConviction can describe the outcome of an argument, but Joubert’s most striking uses expose its judicial or coercive character.
  • In JoubertThe extended torture comparison makes compelled admission the mind’s escape from pain, even to the paradox of believing what it does not believe.
  • In this editionThe English translation retains conviction and the art of convincing.
  • A place to beginCompelled conviction is developed through torture and gladiatorial images.
English renderings
conviction; convincing

Meaning

Conviction can describe the outcome of an argument, but Joubert’s most striking uses expose its judicial or coercive character. It is not always a neutral synonym for inward confidence.

Use in the book

The extended torture comparison makes compelled admission the mind’s escape from pain, even to the paradox of believing what it does not believe. Argument against the simple resembles squeezing a child’s thumbs; against the skillful it resembles a gladiator’s net. The strongest condemnation is conditional on daily practice that forces others to conform their conduct, tastes and speech. A later classification assigns conviction to logic and the judicial, while metaphysics seeks clarity and assent through persuasive exposition. The contrast with persuasion then gives conviction chains and persuasion action. These witnesses distinguish constrained assent from an account of every sincerely held belief as torture.

Places to read

  1. I, p. 166, entry 1, ¶1Compelled conviction is developed through torture and gladiatorial images.
  2. II, p. 778–779, entry 8, ¶1Logic’s conviction differs from metaphysical clarity and assent.
  3. II, p. 803, entry 4, ¶1Conviction chains where persuasion produces action.

Translation in this edition

The English translation retains conviction and the art of convincing. Torture renders gehenne in the first image; confession preserves aveu rather than quietly changing it to agreement. The identities and exact historical reference behind Bronte are not expanded here. Judicial, demonstrative, persuasive and expository remain distinct classifications.

Source note

Beaunier 1938, I, pp. 166; II, pp. 778, 779, 803.