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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.
