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Single Idea 20221
[filed under theme 2. Reason / D. Definition / 2. Aims of Definition
]
Full Idea
Precision is but one virtue of a definition, one that must be balanced against simplicity, elegance, conciseness, theoretical illumination, and practical usefulness.
Gist of Idea
Precision is only one of the virtues of a good definition
Source
Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski (Virtues of the Mind [1996], III 2.1)
Book Ref
Zagzebski,Linda: 'Virtues of the Mind' [CUP 1996], p.266
A Reaction
Illumination looks like the dream virtue for a good definition. Otherwise it is just ticked as accurate and stowed away. 'True justified belief' is a very illuminating definition of knowledge - if it is right. But it's not very precise.
The
34 ideas
from Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski
20186
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Unlike knowledge, wisdom cannot be misused
[Zagzebski]
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20187
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Epistemic perfection for reliabilism is a truth-producing machine
[Zagzebski]
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20188
|
Modern epistemology is too atomistic, and neglects understanding
[Zagzebski]
|
20193
|
Moral luck means our praise and blame may exceed our control or awareness
[Zagzebski]
|
20191
|
Some beliefs are fairly voluntary, and others are not at all so
[Zagzebski]
|
20194
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Intellectual virtues are forms of moral virtue
[Zagzebski]
|
20196
|
Virtue theory is hopeless if there is no core of agreed universal virtues
[Zagzebski]
|
20199
|
Nowadays we doubt the Greek view that the flourishing of individuals and communities are linked
[Zagzebski]
|
20197
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The courage of an evil person is still a quality worth having
[Zagzebski]
|
20200
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A virtue must always have a corresponding vice
[Zagzebski]
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20201
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Eight marks distingush skills from virtues
[Zagzebski, by PG]
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20202
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Motives involve desires, but also how the desires connect to our aims
[Zagzebski]
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20203
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Virtues are deep acquired excellences of persons, which successfully attain desire ends
[Zagzebski]
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20207
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Every moral virtue requires a degree of intelligence
[Zagzebski]
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20205
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The feeling accompanying curiosity is neither pleasant nor painful
[Zagzebski]
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20206
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Intellectual and moral prejudice are the same vice (and there are other examples)
[Zagzebski]
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20208
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We can name at least thirteen intellectual vices
[Zagzebski]
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20209
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For the virtue of honesty you must be careful with the truth, and not just speak truly
[Zagzebski]
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20210
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A reliable process is no use without the virtues to make use of them
[Zagzebski]
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20213
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We need phronesis to coordinate our virtues
[Zagzebski]
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20214
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Virtue theory can have lots of rules, as long as they are grounded in virtues and in facts
[Zagzebski]
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20215
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A justified belief emulates the understanding and beliefs of an intellectually virtuous person
[Zagzebski]
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20216
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Modern moral theory concerns settling conflicts, rather than human fulfilment
[Zagzebski]
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20217
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Truth is valuable, but someone knowing the truth is more valuable
[Zagzebski]
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20218
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The self is known as much by its knowledge as by its action
[Zagzebski]
|
20222
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Knowledge either aims at a quantity of truths, or a quality of understanding of truths
[Zagzebski]
|
20221
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Precision is only one of the virtues of a good definition
[Zagzebski]
|
20220
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Objection by counterexample is weak, because it only reveals inaccuracies in one theory
[Zagzebski]
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20223
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Epistemology is excessively atomic, by focusing on justification instead of understanding
[Zagzebski]
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20225
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For internalists Gettier situations are where internally it is fine, but there is an external mishap
[Zagzebski]
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20226
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Gettier problems are always possible if justification and truth are not closely linked
[Zagzebski]
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20228
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We avoid the Gettier problem if the support for the belief entails its truth
[Zagzebski]
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20227
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Gettier cases arise when good luck cancels out bad luck
[Zagzebski]
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19694
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Wisdom is the property of a person, not of their cognitive state
[Zagzebski, by Whitcomb]
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