Understanding Hope as a Mental State

Hope is defined as a mental state that influences reasoning and motivation, rather than just being a desire for an outcome or a belief in its attainability. Philosophical discussions categorically divide hope into orthodox definitions, represented by historical philosophers, and more nuanced views, including the contemporary perspective that recognizes hope as needing an additional attitude beyond mere desire and probability. Adrienne Martin illustrates this with an example from 'The Shawshank Redemption,' highlighting the difference between a cynical prisoner who gives up hope and a hopeful one who still perceives a sliver of possibility for freedom. This distinction emphasizes that hope involves an optimistic attitude toward unlikely outcomes, prompting proactive behavior rather than inaction.