In the works of Linda Zagzebski, On Epistemology, the question of what is meant by an epistemic virtue and how does open-mindedness qualify as virtue. In Epistemology, there is a binding relationship between self-trust and self-knowledge. Zagzebski raises the question of what the relationship is and clearly explains that we cannot have one without the other. Riggs, another philosopher of Epistemology, wrote an article speaking about open-mindedness. Riggs explains how he understands the virtue of open-mindedness and the qualifications and limitations that he places on the virtue of open-mindedness. In this paper, I will address what is meant by epistemic virtue and how does open-mindedness qualify as a virtue. I will then discuss the relationship …show more content…
First, an epistemic virtue is a character trait that is desirable. It is an acquired human excellence that includes a characteristic emotion disposition and reliable success at bringing about the end of the acts motivated by the emotion in question (Zagzebski, 81). To have epistemic virtue one must have concern for of be governed by the concern for the truth. Zagzebski goes on to list other forms of epistemic virtues, such as; compassion, and fairness. In regards to this text, Zagzebski is focused on intellectual virtues. These virtues are a component of emotion which depends on the love of truth or epistemic conscientiousness. Each of these virtues leads to acquiring true beliefs which are motivated by the emotion characteristic of virtue. Another virtue that is an acquired trait is …show more content…
First, self-trust is one’s ability to trust his or her method of acquiring true beliefs. Without self-trust one is not able to acquire true beliefs. In Epistemology, there are virtues that limit self-trust, and that enhance self-trust. On virtues that limit self-trust, one is able to listen to positons that challenge his or her beliefs; such as open-mindedness. On virtues that enhance self- trust, one is not willing, for good reason, to listen to others positions that challenge his or her beliefs. The reason that the individual does not want to listen to others position is because they have knowledge that their belief is true, this is also known as intellectual firmness. Self-knowledge is having knowledge of one’s mental state or nature. To acquire self-knowledge one must have self-trust. Without it, one will not be able to know one’s beliefs, desires, abilities, and
According to Aristotle, there are two types of virtue. These are: intellectual and moral virtue. Intellectual virtue stems from growth and teaching. In order to be intellectually virtuous one must have a great amount of experience and have allocated a great amount of time in studying whatever task it is they are looking to be virtuous in. On the other hand, moral virtue is given birth through habit. It is not an object that we are just born with it. Moral virtue originates from constant repetition.
I will argue that Unger mischaracterizes the nature of certainty as it is ordinarily used (something he says is important to his argument), and also that he has mischaracterized one of the sources he used to defend this definition. I will then present W.V.O. Quine’s psychologically based epistemology as presented in “Epistemology Naturalized” and “Two Dogmas of Empiricism”, and argue that this theory provides a more adequate account of the way knowledge and certainty are understood. I will also attempt to address the objections to Quine’s theory raised by Jaegwon Kim.
This essay starts with definition of traditional epistemology, followed by an explanation of how class, gender, and race can affect what one can know. Traditional epistemology can be defined as all knowers, regardless of who you are or what your social situation is, are bound by the same cognitive norms. (lecture) Charles Mills however, in the article “Alternative Epistemologies”, argues that who you are and your social situation change your access to knowledge. He criticizes that traditional epistemology fails to consider how an individual’s social situation can affect what he can know. Those in non-dominant social groups have epistemic access especially for knowing about oppression. In this essay I will attempt to explain Mills argument
Trust is a trait one should obtain for the people they know are the most honest. To trust someone means to put ones full confidence and reliability on an acquaintance such as someone one is close with. In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Brutus, one of the leading characters put his complete trust in the people trying to tell him what he should believe. Brutus joined the conspirators to help take down Julius Caesar because he believed it was what was good for Rome based on what he was deceived. This resulted in the killing of Caesar and the death of himself and others. Not considering the right kind of trust in someone can lead to very troubling things. Cassius told a lie as if it was a truth so Brutus
Virtue theory is the best ethical theory because it emphasizes the morality of an individual in which their act is upon pure goodness and presents as a model to motivate others. Aristotle was a classical proponent of virtue theory who illustrates the development habitual acts out of moral goodness. Plato renders a brief list of cardinal virtues consisting of wisdom, temperance, courage, and justice. This ethical theory prominently contradicts and links to other theories that personifies the ideal being. However, virtue theorists differ from their own expression of these qualities yet it sets a tone that reflects on the desire to express kindness toward others.
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge. It is mainly concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. It attempts to answer the basic question of what distinguishes true or adequate knowledge from otherwise false or inadequate knowledge (Heylighen). The major branches of epistemological theory are rationalism, empiricism and mysticism. Rationalism implies that knowledge is obtained through reason and introspection. Ones ideas are justified by sense experience, but if the senses and intuition are in conflict, the sensory evidence must be discarded. In empiricism, knowledge is obtained through observation and experiment. Models and theories may be used to organize this sensory experience, but if theories contradict experience they are wrong. In mysticism, knowledge is obtained through faith, emotions or revelation but if observation or intuition contradict, the knowledge is thus deemed wrong (“Rationalism”). Doubt, as a Persian Proverb once said, is the key to knowledge. It is one of the influencing factors in the expansion of knowledge. A fact that is conside...
Without even realizing it, everyone has a personal paradigm regarding everything that they understand. Throughout my life, my personal paradigm has changed regarding the topic of mental illness, especially anxiety. I began with a positivistic paradigm, but overtime have become more interpretivistic due to personal experiences with mental illness. This paper will discuss my ontology and epistemology regarding mental illness as a positivist, and how my views have changed to become more phenomenologically-based.
“Properly open mind is just the most enjoyable way to live” Ronald Geiger said in his article about skepticism. Skepticism is one of the first steps on the road to open, creative and critical thinking that young people should take in their lives. It is important for the people in adolescence period, like high school students, to learn how to think properly and be critical toward some of the aspects in society. The course in skepticism in high school will allow students to have positive effects on their intellectual level, ethical standings, physical conditions and psychological status. Skepticism should be included in high school curricular and be one of the requirements for graduation because of its tremendous amount beneficial factors in
Zagzebski defines knowledge by expressing the relationship between the subject and the truth proposition. A truth claim becomes knowledge when your state of belief makes cognitive contact with reality. What it is to know that you understand something is different from having a relationship with something. Propositional knowledge, that can be known or believed, is her focus due to simplicity. The criteria required for belief is to have a thought, followed by augmentation with experience. The minimal criteria for a definition of knowledge must incorporate two types of “good”; a moral and an ethical. These truths are implemented to develop the foundation on which Zagzebski later builds her definition.
Ethical virtues deal with actions of courage, generosity, and moderation. Intellectual virtues deal with wisdom and contemplation. Ethical virtues are created through habitual actions. Aristotle says that humans are not born with a natural capacity for virtue. He believes that education and cultivation as youth by one’s parents are pivotal in setting up humans’ ability to make virtuous acts habitual.
Epistemology is study of knowing and allowing oneself to find the truth. Correspondingly, conscientiousness is the act of caring about truth and getting proof of that truth. Conscientiousness is an epistemic virtue because through this act, a person can carefully make sure that their thoughts or conclusions are correct. In this paper, I will discuss the vices of conscientiousness, such as a person’s demands for proof being either too high or too low; while also discussing the virtues of conscientiousness, such as a person being able to draw the theoretical line in-between what is too much of a demand for proof and what is too little of a demand for proof. After establishing my case that conscientiousness is an epistemic virtue, I will apply
It is true that virtues are not feelings because we are not moved by feelings because we do good and bad things depending on our virtues and vices not through how we are feeling. Someone will not commit murder because of his or her feelings but because of their vices that are playing in their head. No one is forced to do anything because of his or her feelings. Also the excellence of virtue is needed because it is what makes something good and allows it to function well. For example I believe god created excellence in our bodies and the ways in which we were created because through the excellence we are able to survive, breath, walk, and function well. This virtue is what makes us as people good because I believe we are all born good but what can change that is if a person develops bad habits, which would lead him or her to not function properly.
The principle of self-confidence has been twisted and redefined into many things, none that truly represent what real confidence is. It has been called "Self-Centeredness" and often turned into
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge. Epistemology studies the nature of knowledge, justification, and the rationality of belief. Much of the debate in epistemology centers on four areas: the philosophical analysis of the nature of knowledge and how it relates to such concepts as truth, belief, and justification, various problems of skepticism, the sources and scope of knowledge and justified belief, and the criteria for knowledge and justification. Epistemology addresses such questions as "What makes justified beliefs justified?", "What does it mean to say that we know something?" and fundamentally "How do we know that we know?"
The argument that is used in the idea of skepticism has comparable and incompatible views given from Augustine and Al-Ghazali. Both monologues cover and explain the doubts one should have, due to the