Against neutrality: Response to Cokelet

ABSTRACT

We appreciate and respond to Cokelet’s thoughtful criticisms of our book. First, he points to deliberative forms of practical wisdom as objectionable to anti-rationalist’s. In response, we point to non-conscious (yet complex) forms of deliberation that occur as individuals automatically process and respond to virtue-relevant stimuli. Second, Cokelet states that reflecting upon one’s life as a whole may be unnecessary and ineffective for virtue development. We clarify that reflection is not the only means of virtue cultivation, and even flawed reflection is likely helpful. Finally, Cokelet recommends aiming for ‘theoretical neutrality’ by recasting these core tenets as empirical hypotheses. We argue against a neutral perspective that accommodates antirationalist views that we think are on the wrong track. Non-neutral claims help generate testable empirical hypotheses that can move virtue science forward.

KEYWORDS:

• Virtue
• practical wisdom
• moral psychology
• virtue ethics
• anti-rationalism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael T. Warren

Michael T. Warren is a developmental psychologist with interests in virtue, mindfulness, and their development through allyship towards individuals from marginalized groups.

Jennifer Cole Wright

Jennifer Cole Wright is a Professor of Psychology and an Affiliate Member of Philosophy, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Environmental and Sustainability Studies at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. She studies folk metaethics, moral cognition, and virtue—particularly their importance in combating social and environmental injustices.

Nancy E. Snow

Nancy E. Snow is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing at the University of Oklahoma. She works in virtue ethics and moral psychology.