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This book explores curiosity from a normative epistemological viewpoint. Taking into account recent developments in the psychology of curiosity, as well as research on the nature and motivation of scientific inquiry, Miscevic identifies curiosity as a positive and vital character trait. Key topics covered include:
· Curiosity as a subject in the history of philosophy
· Curiosity as a possible ethical virtue
· The importance of curiosity about oneself
· Whether curiosity is good in itself or only as a means to an end (e.g. in the pursuit of truth).
The book begins with a brief historical overview, before turning to the nature of curiosity from both a psychological and philosophical viewpoint. Curiosity is revealed as a crucial instrument in the advancement of science and wisdom, as well as within the wider picture of meaningful human life. Miscevic skilfully defends the idea that curiosity motivates and organises our cognitive abilities, playing the central role in our cognitive lives.
List of contents
Part I: Understanding Curiosity.- 1. Introduction.- 2. History: How it all started.- 3. Nature and Kinds of Curiosity.- Part II: The Central Role of Curiosity.- 4. Is Curiosity a Virtue?.- 5. The Motivating Virtue Account.- 6. Defending the Motivating Virtue Account.- 7. Epistemic Value.- Part III: Applications and Widenings.- 8. Cognitive Psychology of Curiosity.- 9. The Curiosity of Science.- 10. Self-Inquisitiveness: The structure and role of an epistemic virtue.- 11. Conclusion and Tasks Ahead.
About the author
Nenad Miš¿evi¿ is Full Professor of Philosophy at the University of Maribor, Slovenia, and Visiting Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the Central European University, Budapest.
