Using virtue theory to define science and related concepts

Abstract

My aim in this paper is to construct definitions for the concept of science and related concepts by employing concepts from a particular type of theory in normative ethics, namely, virtue theory. In section 1 I introduce some of the central concepts of the Aristotelian virtue theory and explain how such a theory can be fruitfully applied in the context of the philosophy of science. In section 2 I employ the concept of intellectual virtue to characterize science and the opposite concept of intellectual vice to characterize pseudoscience. I also offer a characterization of good and bad science from my definition of science, and definitions of anti-science, protoscience, and emergent science in terms of theriotes, akrasia, and enkrateia, respectively. Moreover, I present some advantages of my theory, including its capacity to take into account psychological and social factors in scientific development. In section 3 I discuss two recent theories very similar to my own, highlighting what I think are the advantages of my theory. Finally, I address an objection to my theory. I conclude by arguing that if my theory is correct, then Zagzebski’s lesson to epistemology applies to the philosophy of science as well.