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Nathan L. King's
The Excellent Mind considers the importance of the intellectual virtues: the character traits of excellent thinkers. He explains what it means to have an excellent mind: one that is curious, careful, self-reliant, humble, honest, persevering, courageous, open, firm, and wise. He shows how the intellectual virtues are critical to living everyday life. They are deeply intertwined with moral virtues, and our intellectual character guides our actions and beliefs. The book is thoroughly accessible and designed for students, not just in philosophy and critical thinking classes, but across the curriculum.
List of contents
- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- Part I: What are Intellectual Virtues and Why Do They Matter?
- 1. Why Good Thinking Matters
- 2. The Intellectual Virtues: A Closer Look
- Part II: Intellectual Virtues
- 3. Curiosity: A Healthy Appetite for Knowledge
- 4. Carefulness: Mind Your Evidence
- 5. Autonomy: Think for Yourself
- 6. Humility and Self-Confidence: Own Your Weaknesses-and Your Strengths
- 7. Honesty: Don't Distort the Truth
- 8. Perseverance: Overcome Obstacles
- 9. Courage: Persist Despite Threats
- 10. Open-Mindedness and Firmness: Transcend and Maintain Your Perspective
- 11. Fair-Mindedness and Charity: Don't Do Unto Others / Do Unto Others
- Part III: Putting on Virtue
- 12. How We Grow in Intellectual Virtue
- Index
About the author
Nathan L. King is Professor of Philosophy at Whitworth University. His research interests include intellectual character, the epistemology of disagreement, and the philosophy of education. His work has appeared in such journals as Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Philosophical Quarterly, and Synthese.
Summary
Nathan L. King's The Excellent Mind considers the importance of the intellectual virtues: the character traits of excellent thinkers. He explains what it means to have an excellent mind: one that is curious, careful, self-reliant, humble, honest, persevering, courageous, open, firm, and wise. Drawing from recent literature in philosophy and psychology, he considers what these virtues are like in practice, why they are important, and how we grow in them. King also argues that despite their label, these virtues are not just for intellectuals: they are for everyone. He shows how intellectual virtues are critical to living everyday life, in areas as diverse as personal relationships, responsible citizenship, civil discourse, personal success, and education. Filled with vivid examples and relevant applications, The Excellent Mind will serve as an engaging introduction to the intellectual virtues for students and anyone interested in the topic.
Additional text
This book is an outstanding introduction to intellectual virtues and their importance to learning and living well. It combines lively and accessible prose with a philosophically sophisticated and illuminating treatment of intellectual virtues. It is an ideal resource for students, teachers, and others interested in understanding the personal aspects of good thinking.
