Experimental Virtue: Perceptual Responsiveness and the Praxis of Scientific Observation
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2014
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Abstract
In this chapter I will develop and defend an account of one particular scientific virtue, one not easily identifiable among traditional lists of the epistemic or the moral virtues, though components or preconditions of this virtue are found in most such accounts. Although my special focus here will be the manifestation of this virtue of scientific character in experimental/observational praxis, I will show how this virtue functions in both experimental and theoretical contexts, and is in fact critical to the excellent function of each as a guide and constraint for the other. While there is no English term that captures precisely the meaning of the virtue I shall emphasize, the nearest approximation would be perceptual responsiveness. The virtue of being perceptually responsive is conceptually complex, and will require precise definition and clarification.
Chapter of
Virtue Epistemology Naturalized: Bridges between Virtue Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
Part of
Studies in Epistemology, Logic, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science
Editor
Abrol Fairweather
Recommended Citation
Vallor, S. (2014). Experimental Virtue: Perceptual Responsiveness and the Praxis of Scientific Observation. In A. Fairweather (Ed.), Virtue Epistemology Naturalized (pp. 269–290). Springer International Publishing.
