To use the term blind faith, is to use
an adjective needlessly.
I had heard the above quote from a positivist friend some time ago. Also, the dictionaries define "faith" as a "belief that is not based on proof" or an "unreasoned belief".
So my question is: Is "faith" by definition "blind"? If no, what is the difference between mere "faith" and "blind faith"?
Best Answer
Billare's comment on the question provides most of the answer. To go a bit further, "blind" is indeed a intensifier and can be used to modify "faith" in this way.
However, we can also posit degrees of faith. A "reasoned faith" would be belief with some measure of logical or evidential support.
"Blind faith" would be faith with no reason, and conceivably faith in spite of evidence to the contrary. The term normally arises in reference to the latter type, and is slightly pejorative.