Virtue Epistemology

We all know from which direction the sun rises or sets. This is a type of knowledge that we have acquired over time.

Another example:
If I ask you how to convert water into ice, you would probably give me a good, scientifically accurate answer.

Or consider this question:

"When do we celebrate our Independence Day?"
We can answer such questions easily and instantly. Why?
Because this is acquired knowledge — things we’ve learned and stored in our minds.

But What If the Question Is Different?

What if I ask you:

"How do you know if a person is good or bad?"

Would you be able to answer that clearly?
Probably not — it’s a much tougher question.
That’s because we are often influenced by bias — either for or against a person.
We start thinking back and forth, questioning our judgment.

So, How Do We Handle This Kind of Knowledge?

This is where Virtue Epistemology comes in.
It helps us understand how we should approach such complex questions.
According to Virtue Epistemology:

We cannot answer morally or personally evaluative questions clearly unless we are free from bias.

To arrive at a fair and thoughtful answer, we must become:

• A good observer

• A good listener

• Intellectual

• Open-minded

• Honest

• Encouraging

Only then can we form justified, reliable beliefs about others — and about the world.

Conclusion

Not all knowledge is the same.
Some facts are acquired and easily recalled.
But other truths — especially those involving people and morality — require deeper virtues within us.

Virtue Epistemology teaches us that to seek truth, we must first become better thinkers and better people.

Source:

Thanks to Yasmin