1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910863161503321

Autore

Miščević Nenad

Titolo

Curiosity as an Epistemic Virtue / / by Nenad Miščević

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Springer International Publishing, 2020

Cham : , : Springer International Publishing : , : Imprint : Palgrave Macmillan, , 2020

ISBN

9783030571030

3030571033

Edizione

[1st ed. 2020.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (XI, 268 p. 14 illus.)

Collana

Palgrave Innovations in Philosophy, , 2946-286X

Disciplina

153.8

121.6

Soggetti

Knowledge, Theory of

Science - Philosophy

Philosophy of mind

Epistemology

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Mind

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di contenuto

Part I: Understanding Curiosity -- 1. Introduction -- 2. History: How it all started -- 3. Nature and Kinds of Curiosity -- Part II: The Central Role of Curiosity -- 4. Is Curiosity a Virtue? -- 5. The Motivating Virtue Account -- 6. Defending the Motivating Virtue Account -- 7. Epistemic Value -- Part III: Applications and Widenings -- 8. Cognitive Psychology of Curiosity -- 9. The Curiosity of Science -- 10. Self-Inquisitiveness: The structure and role of an epistemic virtue -- 11. Conclusion and Tasks Ahead. .

Sommario/riassunto

This book explores curiosity from a normative epistemological viewpoint. Taking into account recent developments in the psychology of curiosity, as well as research on the nature and motivation of scientific inquiry, Miščević identifies curiosity as a positive and vital character trait. Key topics covered include: · Curiosity as a subject in the history of philosophy · Curiosity as a possible ethical virtue · The



importance of curiosity about oneself · Whether curiosity is good in itself or only as a means to an end (e.g. in the pursuit of truth). The book begins with a brief historical overview, before turning to the nature of curiosity from both a psychological and philosophical viewpoint. Curiosity is revealed as a crucial instrument in the advancement of science and wisdom, as well as within the wider picture of meaningful human life. Miščević skilfully defends the idea that curiosity motivates and organises our cognitive abilities, playing the central role in our cognitive lives.