Lockie, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8340-5158 (2008) Problems for virtue theories in epistemology. Philosophical Studies, 138 (2). pp. 169-191. ISSN 1573-0883

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

This paper identifies and criticizes certain fundamental commitments of virtue theories in epistemology. A basic question for virtues approaches is whether they represent a ‘third force’– a different source of normativity to internalism and externalism. Virtues approaches so-conceived are opposed. It is argued that virtues theories offer us nothing that can unify the internalist and externalist sub-components of their preferred success-state. Claims that character can unify a virtues-based axiology are overturned. Problems with the pluralism of virtues theories are identified – problems with pluralism and the nature of the self; and problems with pluralism and the goals of epistemology. Moral objections to virtue theory are identified – specifically, both the idea that there can be a radical axiological priority to character and the anti-enlightenment tendencies in virtues approaches. Finally, some strengths to virtue theory are conceded, while the role of epistemic luck is identified as an important topic for future work.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.1007/s11098-006-9030-7
Keywords:	Virtue epistemology; Virtue ethics; Internalism; Externalism; Third force; Phronesis; Axiology; Pluralism; Anti-enlightenment; Universalizability; Eudaimonia
Subjects:	Philosophy
Depositing User:	Rod Pow
Date Deposited:	13 Jul 2012 10:28
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2024 15:39
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/179

Actions (login required)

View Item