Using virtue theory to define science and related concepts

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.

Keywords:
virtue; scientific ethos; phronesis