Virtue Theoretic Epistemology: New Methods and Approaches

Virtue epistemology is a research program that focuses on agent properties and groups, with two key strands: virtue reliabilism and virtue responsibilism. This volume brings together ten new essays on virtue epistemology, advancing the state of the art and providing an overview of its achievements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Virtue epistemology is a vibrant and flourishing research program within contemporary epistemology, with a central thesis that emphasizes the study of properties of agents and groups as the primary focus of epistemic theorizing. Within virtue epistemology, two key strands can be identified: virtue reliabilism, which concentrates on agent properties that are highly conducive to truth, such as the perceptual and inferential abilities of agents, and virtue responsibilism, which emphasizes intellectual virtues in the sense of character traits of agents, such as open-mindedness and intellectual courage. This comprehensive volume brings together ten new essays on virtue epistemology, contributing to both of these strands by renowned experts in the field. By presenting these insightful contributions, the book aims to advance the state of the art and provide readers with a valuable overview of the achievements and advancements in virtue epistemology.

Virtue epistemology is a fascinating and rapidly developing field within contemporary epistemology, focusing on the study of the properties of agents and groups as the primary concern. Within this framework, two main strands have emerged: virtue reliabilism and virtue responsibilism. Virtue reliabilism emphasizes the importance of agent properties that are conducive to truth, such as their perceptual and inferential abilities. It seeks to understand how these properties can be developed and maintained, and how they can contribute to epistemic success. On the other hand, virtue responsibilism focuses on intellectual virtues, such as open-mindedness and intellectual courage, as the key factors in epistemic success. It argues that these virtues are not merely acquired through training or habituation but are inherent to the nature of agents and can be cultivated through deliberate effort.

This volume brings together ten new essays on virtue epistemology, written by leading experts in the field. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of epistemic virtue, the relationship between virtue and truth, the role of moral character in epistemic inquiry, and the application of virtue epistemology to various philosophical problems. The contributions to both strands of virtue epistemology are insightful and thought-provoking, and they will undoubtedly advance the state of the art in this field.

One of the key strengths of virtue epistemology is its commitment to developing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of epistemic success. It recognizes that epistemic success is not merely a matter of acquiring accurate beliefs but also involves the development of virtuous character traits that are conducive to truth-seeking and epistemic virtue. By focusing on the properties of agents and groups, virtue epistemology provides a more holistic approach to epistemic inquiry than traditional approaches that emphasize individual beliefs or cognitive processes.

Another important aspect of virtue epistemology is its emphasis on the role of moral character in epistemic inquiry. It argues that the development of virtuous character traits is essential for epistemic success and that epistemic virtues are not merely instrumental to achieving our epistemic goals. Instead, they are integral to our moral and ethical development and play a crucial role in shaping our character and our relationships with others.

Virtue epistemology also has important implications for the practice of epistemic inquiry. It suggests that we should approach epistemic inquiry with a sense of humility and a willingness to learn from others. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating open-mindedness and intellectual courage, which are essential for engaging in epistemic inquiry and developing our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, virtue epistemology is a promising and exciting field that has the potential to transform our understanding of epistemic success and the role of moral character in epistemic inquiry. The contributions to this volume provide a valuable overview of the state of the art in virtue epistemology and will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in the field.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108740463