Vices of the Mind

From the Intellectual to the Political

By: Quassim Cassam

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Hardcover | 28 February 2019

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Hardcover
224 Pages

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14.5 x 22.5 x 1.4

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Leading philosopher Quassim Cassam introduces epistemic vices, drawing on recent political phenomena including Brexit and Trump to explore such 'vices of the mind'.

Manifesting as character traits, attitudes, or thinking styles, epistemic vices prevent us from having or sharing knowledge. Cassam gives an account of the nature and importance of these vices, which include closed-mindedness, intellectual arrogance, wishful thinking, and prejudice. In providing the first extensive coverage of vice epistemology, an exciting new area of philosophical research, Vices of the Mind uses real examples drawn primarily from the world of politics to develop a compelling theory of epistemic vice.

Key events such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2016 Brexit vote, and notable figures including Donald Trump and Boris Johnson are analysed in detail to illustrate what epistemic vice looks like in the modern world. The traits covered in this landmark work include a hitherto unrecognised epistemic vice called 'epistemic insouciance'. Cassam examines both the extent to which we are responsible for our failings and the factors that make it difficult to know our own vices. If we are able to overcome self-ignorance and recognise our epistemic vices, then is there is anything we can do about them? Vices of the Mind picks up on this concern in its conclusion by detailing possible self-improvement strategies and closing with a discussion of what makes some epistemic vices resistant to change.

Industry Reviews

It is great to see philosophers paying more attention to vice, and Cassam has provided a compelling framework for epistemic vice that should prove both useful and fruitful for some time to come. * Denise Vigani, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice *
Cassam has laid the groundwork for future research on the nature, development, and expression of epistemic vice, and we may reasonably hope that subsequent work will make vice epistemology more thoroughgoingly social. * Mark Alfano, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice *
One of the book's many excellent features is its use of case studies from recent history. * Alexandra Plakias, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice *
The publication of Cassam's Vices of the Mind is a landmark in the study of epistemic vices. * Alessandra Tanesini, Mind *
This timely book should be read by all who wonder why the quality of political life and decision-making in the US has deteriorated. * M.A. Michael, CHOICE *
A superb (and icily furious) book * Steven Poole, New Statesman *
An excellent introduction to the debates about epistemic vices and is easy to engage regardless of one's philosophical background. In being the first book-length treatment of epistemic vices, Vices of the Mind is sure to shape the debates surrounding epistemic vices for some time. * Social Epistemology Review and Reply Collective *
absorbing * Pete Burgess, The Philosopher *
A stimulating and lively consideration of what the philosopher Quassim Cassam calls 'epistemic vices'. * Process North *

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