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Tanesini on truth and epistemic vice
1Philosophy, University of Glasgow, Cogito Epistemology Research Centre, Glasgow, UK.
Inquiry (Oslo, Norway)
|January 10, 2024
Summary
This paper challenges internalist theories of epistemic vice, arguing that vices like fatalism and self-satisfaction require external factors, not just internal attitudes, for their explanation. True understanding of epistemic vice necessitates an externalist perspective.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Epistemology
- Ethics
Background:
- Alessandra Taniesini's 'The Mismeasure of the Self' proposes an internalist framework for understanding epistemic vice.
- This internalist view grounds epistemic vices in the subject's attitudes towards themselves, including fatalism, self-satisfaction, narcissistic infatuation, and self-abasement.
- The theory posits that both the nature and normativity of vice are contained within the individual's psychological states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate and argue against the internalist account of epistemic vice.
- To demonstrate the necessity of external factors in explaining the nature and normativity of epistemic vices.
- To advocate for an externalist perspective in understanding 'mismeasure of the self' phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation and conceptual analysis.
- Critique of internalist claims regarding the grounding of epistemic vice.
- Development of a counter-argument emphasizing externalist requirements.
Main Results:
- Epistemic vices cannot be fully explained solely by internal attitudes or states.
- A normative 'hook' external to the individual's mind is required to account for the viciousness of epistemic vices.
- The concept of 'mismeasure of the self' necessitates an externalist interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Vice internalism, as presented by Taniesini, is insufficient to capture the full nature of epistemic vice.
- An externalist approach is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of epistemic vice and self-perception.
- Revisiting the 'mismeasure of the self' requires acknowledging external normative standards.
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