Epistemic Vices

Epistemic vices are character traits or habits that hinder our ability to think clearly, objectively, or truthfully. They include tendencies like closed-mindedness, bias, arrogance, or laziness in seeking knowledge. These vices impair our capacity to acquire, evaluate, or accept accurate information, leading to poor judgments and misunderstandings. Unlike mental errors, vices are ingrained dispositions that influence our reasoning over time. Recognizing and addressing epistemic vices help improve our critical thinking, promote openness, and foster more reliable and honest pursuit of knowledge.