Open-Mindedness as a Critical Virtue

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jack Kwong Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: This paper proposes to examine Daniel Cohen's recent attempt to apply virtues to argumentation theory, with special attention given to his explication of how open-mindedness can be regarded as an argumentational or critical virtue. It is argued that his analysis involves a contentious claim about open-mindedness as an epistemic virtue, which generates a tension for agents who are simultaneously both an arguer and a knower (or who strive to be both). I contend that this tension can be eased or resolved by clarifying the nature of open-mindedness and by construing open-mindedness in terms of its function. Specifically, a willingness to take a novel viewpoint seriously is sufficient for making open-mindedness both an epistemic and a critical virtue.

Additional Information

Publication
Kwong, Jack. (2015). Open-Mindedness as a Critical Virtue. Topio. The final publication is available at Springer via DOI: 10.1007/s11245-015-9317-4. ISSN: 0167-7411 (Print) 1572-8749 (Online)
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
Argumentation theory, Virtues, Open-mindedness, Daniel Cohen, Epistemic virtue, Critical virtue

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