Against neutrality: Response to Cokelet. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Warren, Michael T.; Wright, Jennifer Cole; Snow, Nancy E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of moral education. Volume 51:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Virtue -- practical wisdom -- moral psychology -- virtue ethics -- anti-rationalism; Moral education -- Periodicals; 370.114
• DOI: 10.1080/03057240.2022.2026091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-7240

Abstract

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.