Overview

Epistemic virtue is an approach to epistemology that focuses on the intellectual character of the knower rather than just the properties of beliefs (like justification). It parallels virtue ethics by emphasizing traits that promote intellectual flourishing.

Core Idea

The core idea is that knowledge is the product of virtuous intellectual conduct. Being a good knower involves cultivating traits like curiosity, open-mindedness, and intellectual humility.

Formal Definition

Virtue epistemology is a collection of recent approaches to epistemology that give epistemic virtues a central role. It defines knowledge or justification in terms of the exercise of intellectual virtues.

Intuition

Think of a good detective. It’s not just that they follow a procedure (rules); it’s that they are observant, careful, fair-minded, and tenacious. If they solve the case, it’s because of these character traits. Similarly, gaining knowledge requires “good character” of the mind.

Examples

  • Intellectual Humility: Admitting when you don’t know something or when you might be wrong.
  • Open-mindedness: Being willing to consider alternative viewpoints seriously.
  • Intellectual Courage: Sticking to the truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous.
  • Curiosity: A desire to learn and understand.

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: It’s just about being a “nice” person.
    • Correction: It’s about intellectual excellence. You can be grumpy but intellectually virtuous (e.g., a rigorous scientist).
  • Misconception: It replaces traditional epistemology.
    • Correction: It often complements it by explaining why certain beliefs are justified (because a virtuous agent formed them).
  • Virtue Ethics: The moral theory that emphasizes character (Aristotle).
  • Reliabilism: Often linked with “virtue reliabilism” (virtues are reliable faculties like vision).
  • Responsibilism: The view that virtues are acquired character traits for which we are responsible (like conscientiousness).

Applications

  • Education: Focuses on cultivating “critical thinking” traits rather than just memorizing facts.
  • Politics: Analyzing political polarization as a failure of epistemic virtues (e.g., lack of open-mindedness).

Criticism and Limitations

  • Subjectivity: It can be hard to define exactly what counts as a “virtue” without circularity (e.g., “a virtue is what leads to truth”).
  • Situationism: Psychological research suggests our behavior is determined more by situations than by stable character traits, challenging the existence of “virtues.”

Further Reading

  • Virtues of the Mind by Linda Zagzebski
  • Intellectual Virtue by Roberts and Wood
  • The Value of Knowledge and the Pursuit of Understanding by Jonathan Kvanvig