Exploring Intellectual Virtues

The Intellectual Virtue research cluster is devoted to research on the nature, value, and applications of the intellectual virtues. The articulation of these virtues goes right back to antiquity. They pick out a particular kind of cognitive character trait that is especially valuable because of its importance to human flourishing. Interested in learning more?

Examples of intellectual virtues include critical thinking, curiosity, integrity, intellectual autonomy, intellectual creativity, intellectual humility, intellectual tenacity, and open-mindedness. Research on this topic draws in a range of subject areas. In philosophy (the subject area that is home to the cluster), the intellectual virtues are relevant to almost all aspects of the subject, including epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind and cognitive science, metaphysics, philosophy of religion, history of philosophy, and aesthetics. Outside of philosophy, there is considerable interest in the intellectual virtues in such fields as psychology and cognitive science (e.g., as distinctive cognitive traits), law (e.g., in understanding legal reasoning), education (e.g., in terms of the goals of education), religious studies (e.g., as central components of certain religious traditions), and history (e.g., in terms of making sense of certain historical movements). The cluster draws together these existing interdisciplinary strands of research on the intellectual virtues, and also promotes new strands. There will be a practical and outwards-facing dimension to the cluster. For example, one core goal of the cluster is to bring the intellectual virtues into the UCI curriculum and thereby contribute to a wider conversation about the nature of a University-level curriculum. The cluster will also be looking at ways to bring the intellectual virtues to a wider audience, such as through projects in schools and the use of MOOCs (= Massive Open Online Courses). By conducting these activities, the cluster highlights UCI’s role as an educational beacon, research-leader, and intellectual innovator.

To join the Intellectual Virtue research cluster, please contact Duncan Pritchard.