A Case for an Historical Vice Epistemology

Abstract

This paper encourages greater engagement between contemporary vice epistemology and the work of intellectual and social historians of the vices. I argue that studies of the nature and significance of epistemic vices and faliings can be enriched by engaging with the methods and results of the historians who share our interest in epistemic character and its failings. To that end, I distinguish between quotidian and esoteric, and betwee transient and promiscuous epistemic vice-concepts and offer illustrative case studies.

Keywords

• epistemic vice
• vice epistemology
• epistemic virtue
• virtue epistemology
• intellectual history