Final answer:
Peter's double-mindedness is attributed to his uncertainty between maintaining long-standing beliefs and accepting new, more defensible ones, which challenges his consistency and possibly his relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of double-mindedness often refers to an individual experiencing conflicting thoughts or beliefs, leading to indecision or uncertainty. In the context provided, it seems that Peter sits in a state of double-mindedness likely because he is uncertain about his decision. This uncertainty may arise from facing a choice between a newly reasoned position, signified as position 'c', and a long-held belief, position 'b', that is tied to his upbringing and social circle.
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas. This discomfort is typically due to a lack of consistency in one's thoughts, which can lead to double-mindedness as individuals struggle between old beliefs and new information that challenges those beliefs.
Ultimately, Peter's double-minded state reflects the inner conflict of choosing between adhering to familiar beliefs or adapting to new ones that appear more defensible, even at the potential cost of disrupting existing relationships and going against long-standing community or family views.