Vices of the Mind: From the Intellectual to the Political

Quassim Cassam introduces the idea of epistemic vices, character traits that get in the way of knowledge, such as closed-mindedness, intellectual arrogance, wishful thinking, and prejudice. Using examples from politics to illustrate the vices at work, he considers whether we are responsible for such failings, and what we can do about them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Epistemic vices are character traits, attitudes, or thinking styles that hinder our ability to acquire, retain, or share knowledge. In his book, Quassim Cassam delves into the nature and significance of these vices, which encompass closed-mindedness, intellectual arrogance, wishful thinking, and prejudice. Through the use of real-life examples primarily drawn from the realm of politics, Vices of the Mind offers an engaging theory of epistemic vice. Cassam argues that these vices not only obstruct our knowledge acquisition but also deserve blame or condemnation. Key events such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2016 Brexit vote, as well as notable figures like Donald Trump, are analyzed in depth to showcase the manifestation of epistemic vice in contemporary society. This landmark work also introduces the concept of epistemic insouciance, a hitherto unrecognized epistemic vice. Cassam explores both the extent to which we are accountable for our shortcomings and the factors that make it challenging to recognize our own vices. By overcoming self-ignorance and acknowledging our epistemic vices, can we take steps to address them? Vices of the Mind raises this concern in its conclusion by proposing self-improvement strategies and discussing the factors that contribute to the resistance of some epistemic vices to change.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 145 x 225 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198826903