Abstract

The topic of the educational role of the intellectual virtues is explored. It is argued that the overarching epistemic goal of education is the development of intellectual character, and it is further proposed that the relevant notion of intellectual character is virtuous intellectual character. Virtuous intellectual character is contrasted in this regard with an alternative character-based conception of the overarching epistemic goal of education in terms of critically rational intellectual character. Finally, some of the main issues facing this conception of the educational role of the intellectual virtues are considered, especially regarding the concern that educating for the intellectual virtues is problematic because it involves inculcating in students certain core values.