Exemplary scientists have a characteristic way of viewing the world and their work: their mindset and methods all aim at discovering truths about nature. In An Instinct for Truth, Robert Pennock explores this scientific mindset and argues that what Charles Darwin called "an instinct for truth, knowledge, and discovery" has a tacit moral structure—that it is important not only for scientific excellence and integrity but also for democracy and human flourishing. In an era of "post-truth," the scientific drive to discover empirical truths has a special value.
Taking a virtue-theoretic perspective, Pennock explores curiosity, veracity, skepticism, humility to evidence, and other scientific virtues and vices. He explains that curiosity is the most distinctive element of the scientific character, by which other norms are shaped; discusses the passionate nature of scientific attentiveness; and calls for science education not only to teach scientific findings and methods but also to nurture the scientific mindset and its core values.
Drawing on historical sources as well as a sociological study of more than a thousand scientists, Pennock's philosophical account is grounded in values that scientists themselves recognize they should aspire to. Pennock argues that epistemic and ethical values are normatively interconnected, and that for science and society to flourish, we need not just a philosophy of science, but a philosophy of the scientist.
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Topic
PhilosophySubtopic
Philosophy History & TheoryTable of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Table of Contents
- Preface: Facts and Values
- Acknowledgments
- 1. A Virtuous Instinct
- 2. A Kind of Utter Honesty
- 3. Systematic Curiosity
- 4. Ardent Observers
- 5. Scientific Discipline
- 6. Courageous Humility
- 7. Creative Conflict
- 8. Scientific Vices
- 9. The Seeds of Science
- 10. We Are Scientists Second
- Bibliography
- Index
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Yes, you can access An Instinct for Truth by Robert T. Pennock in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Philosophy & Philosophy History & Theory. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.