From Good Knowers to Just Knowers in the Mahãbhãrata : Towards a Comparative Virtue Epistemology. (30th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dalmiya, Vrinda
• Is Part Of: Royal Institute of Philosophy supplement. Volume 74(2014)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2014-06-30
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1017/S1358246114000046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1358-2461

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Adopting the framework of Anglo Analytic Virtue Epistemology, I ask of the Sanskrit epic, the <italic>Mahābhārata, </italic> the question: What sort of character or 'intellectual virtues' must a 'good knower' have? Then, inspired by broadly feminist sensibilities, I raise the concern whether dispositions for knowing the world can be associated with motivations to rectify injustices in that world – whether, in other words, a good knower is also a 'just knower.' I go on to explore the structure of humility and shame as 'virtues of truth' in the epic to see whether they can establish a connection between knowing and justice.</p> </abstract>