Science and Virtue: An Essay on the Impact of the Scientific Mentality on Moral Character / Edition 1

by Louis Caruana

Overview

Charting new territory in the interface between science and ethics, Science and Virtue is a study of how the scientific mentality can affect the building of character, or the attainment of virtue by the individual. Drawing on inspiration from virtue-ethics and virtue-epistemology, Caruana argues that science is not just a system of knowledge but also an important factor determining a way of life. This book goes beyond the normal strategy evident in the science-ethics realm of examining specific ethical dilemmas posed by scientific innovations. Here Caruana deals with more fundamental issues, uncovering morally significant tendencies within the very core of the scientific mentality and explaining how science, its method, history and explanatory power can shape a conception of the good life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754655626
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/28/2006
Series:	Ashgate New Critical Thinking in Philosophy
Pages:	142
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Louis Caruana is Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, UK.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface; A preamble on virtue; Observation; Method; Explanation; Science and history; Science as a way of life; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

’Caruana has undoubtedly written an original and insightful book. Science and Virtue makes an insightful case for bringing virtue theory into philosophy of science.’ Heythrop Journal ’The book well exemplifies the publishers' aim of encouraging fresh angles of research into well-known topics... Caruana produces some very persuasive and original arguments. He writes clearly and attractively, with a minimum of jargon. The book is a pleasure to read, and well worth pondering.’ International Philosophical Quarterly ’... this careful and thoughtful book... Caruana’s exposition of the philosophy of science is exemplary in its clarity and succinctness. His command of virtue ethics extends from the classical tradition to contemporary discussions [...] It’s Caruana’s achievement to have illuminated one important link between science and virtue and to have alerted us to two others.’ The Review of Metaphysics

From the Publisher