Clarifying the Virtue Profile of the Good Thinker: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Ratchford, Juliette L.; Fleeson, William; King, Nathan L.; Blackie, Laura E.R.; Zhang, Qilin; Porter, Tenelle; Jayawickreme, Eranda

Abstract

What does it mean to be a good thinker? Which virtues work together in someone who possesses good intellectual character? Although recent research on virtues has highlighted the benefits of individual intellectual virtues, being an excellent thinker is likely a function of possessing multiple intellectual virtues. Specifically, a good thinker would both recognize one’s intellectual shortcomings and possess an eagerness to learn driven by virtues such as love of knowledge, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Good intellectual character may only successfully manifest when individuals possess not just one or a few intellectual virtues, but a larger set of such virtues to different degrees. However, little is currently known about what combination of virtues are necessary for good thinking. We argue that it is important to identify and clarify the nature of the good thinker and outline a profile methodology for achieving this goal. This approach characterizes the good thinker in terms of a profile of multiple intellectual virtues. Understanding this profile can allow greater insight into the extent to which people possess such a profile, and the potential for societal benefits of educating for these qualities.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 15, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 23, 2024
• Publication Date: Feb 23, 2024
• Deposit Date: Feb 26, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2025
• Journal: Topoi
• Print ISSN: 0167-7411
• Electronic ISSN: 1572-8749
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11245-024-10028-9
• Keywords: Philosophy
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/31619108
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11245-024-10028-9
• Additional Information: Accepted: 15 February 2024; First Online: 23 February 2024