The Intellectual Virtues

2021 ◽  
pp. 18-34
Author(s):  
Nathan L. King
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Virtues ◽  
Moral Virtues ◽  
Intellectual Character ◽  
Doctrine Of The Mean ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right

This chapter explores the nature of intellectual character virtues, as a way of preparing the reader for the rest of the book, which explores individual virtues in detail. After providing a list of important intellectual virtues and some examples of these virtues “in action,” the chapter proceeds to discuss the structure of virtues. It identifies intellectual virtues as excellent traits of character involving thought, behavior, and motivation in relation to knowledge. The chapter then introduces a model for understanding intellectual virtues that parallels Aristotle’s account of the moral virtues. Specifically, many intellectual virtues stand as a mean between vices of deficiency and excess. After applying Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean to several intellectual virtues, the chapter closes by applying Aristotle’s metaphor of virtue as hitting a target. It suggests that our intellectual actions “hit the target” insofar as they involve our doing the right intellectual acts, at the right times, in the right ways, and for the right reasons.

The Excellent Mind

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan L. King
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Intellectual Virtues ◽  
Intellectual Humility ◽  
Good Education ◽  
Intellectual Courage ◽  
Intellectual Character ◽  
Civil Discourse ◽  
The Right ◽  
Personal Success

What makes for a good education? What does one need to count as well educated? Knowledge, to be sure. But knowledge is easily forgotten, and today’s knowledge may be obsolete tomorrow. Skills, particularly in critical thinking, are crucial as well. But absent the right motivation, graduates may fail to put their skills to good use. In this book, Nathan King argues that intellectual virtues—traits like curiosity, intellectual humility, honesty, intellectual courage, and open-mindedness—are central to any education worthy of the name. Further, such virtues are crucial to our functioning well in everyday life, in areas as diverse as personal relationships, responsible citizenship, civil discourse, and personal success. Our struggles in these areas often result from a failure to think virtuously. Drawing upon recent work in philosophy and psychology, the book paints a portrait of virtuous intellectual character—and of the vices such a character opposes. Filled with examples and applications, this book introduces readers to the intellectual virtues: what they are, why they matter, and how we can grow in them.

scholarly journals Safeguarding against failure in intellectual character education: The case of the eristic agent

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-252
Author(s):  
Alkis Kotsonis
Keyword(s):  
Character Education ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Moral Character ◽  
Intellectual Virtues ◽  
Moral Virtues ◽  
Educational Failure ◽  
Intellectual Character ◽  
Education Today

The vast majority of contemporary scholars working in intellectual character education endeavor to identify those elements that render an educational program reliably successful at fostering the growth of intellectual excellences in students. In this article, I adopt an opposite perspective: I examine potential reasons as to why virtue-based approaches to education might fail to enable students to acquire intellectual virtues. Given the scarcity of accounts of educational failure in contemporary intellectual character education, I search for such accounts in the philosophical roots of the concept of intellectual virtues. In this article, I focus on Plato’s discussion of the eristic agent, namely, an individual who has developed epistemically valuable cognitive abilities but, due to insufficient moral character education, results in misusing them to pursue non-epistemic and quite often also non-moral ends. I argue that Plato’s account of the eristic practice has much to offer to intellectual character education today. It strongly indicates that intellectual virtues cannot be fostered in isolation from moral virtues and that the development of the students’ (1) epistemic emotions and (2) moral virtues should take place prior to the fostering of intellectual excellences in them.

scholarly journals The Archer and Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean

2013 ◽  
pp. 155-168
Author(s):  
Glen Koehn
Keyword(s):  
Moral Virtues ◽  
Doctrine Of The Mean ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Special Case

It is sometimes claimed that Aristotle’s doctrine of the Mean is false or unhelpful: moral virtues are not typically flanked by two opposing vices as he claimed. However, an explicit restatement of Aristotle’s view in terms of sufficiency for an objective reveals that the Mean is more widely applicable than has sometimes been alleged. Understood as a special case of sufficiency, it is essential to many judgments of right and wrong. I consider some objections by Rosalind Hursthouse to Aristotle’s theory and argue that they are based on a misunderstanding. However, there is indeed a tension in Aristotle’s view of goodness, hinted at in his claim that the good is "said in many ways".

DMSA-scintigraphy in paediatrics: Is the evaluation of the geometric mean necessary for the calculation of the differential renal function?

2001 ◽  
Vol 40 (04) ◽  
pp. 107-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Roßmüller ◽  
S. Alalp ◽  
S. Fischer ◽  
S. Dresel ◽  
K. Hahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Posterior View ◽  
Renal Abnormality ◽  
Anterior View ◽  
Differential Renal Function ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
To Receive

SummaryFor assessment of differential renal function (PF) by means of static renal scintigraphy with Tc-99m-dimer-captosuccinic acid (DMSA) the calculation of the geometric mean of counts from the anterior and posterior view is recommended. Aim of this retrospective study was to find out, if the anterior view is necessary to receive an accurate differential renal function by calculating the geometric mean compared to calculating PF using the counts of the posterior view only. Methods: 164 DMSA-scans of 151 children (86 f, 65 m) aged 16 d to 16 a (4.7 ± 3.9 a) were reviewed. The scans were performed using a dual head gamma camera (Picker Prism 2000 XP, low energy ultra high resolution collimator, matrix 256 x 256,300 kcts/view, Zoom: 1.6-2.0). Background corrected values from both kidneys anterior and posterior were obtained. Using region of interest technique PF was calculated using the counts of the dorsal view and compared with the calculated geometric mean [SQR(Ctsdors x Ctsventr]. Results: The differential function of the right kidney was significantly less when compared to the calculation of the geometric mean (p<0.01). The mean difference between the PFgeom and the PFdors was 1.5 ± 1.4%. A difference > 5% (5.0-9.5%) was obtained in only 6/164 scans (3.7%). Three of 6 patients presented with an underestimated PFdors due to dystopic kidneys on the left side in 2 patients and on the right side in one patient. The other 3 patients with a difference >5% did not show any renal abnormality. Conclusion: The calculation of the PF from the posterior view only will give an underestimated value of the right kidney compared to the calculation of the geometric mean. This effect is not relevant for the calculation of the differntial renal function in orthotopic kidneys, so that in these cases the anterior view is not necesssary. However, geometric mean calculation to obtain reliable values for differential renal function should be applied in cases with an obvious anatomical abnormality.

Therapeutic Effects of Hab Shabyar on Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 1218
Author(s):  
Ebrahim Khalil BaniHabib ◽  
Ali Mostafai ◽  
Seyyed Mohammad Bagher Fazljou ◽  
Ghadir Mohammdi
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Open Angle ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Double Blinded

Background: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of hab shabyar in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Materials and Methods: In this clinical randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with OAG were randomized into two groups. The intervention group was received a drop of timolol plus 500 mg of hab shabyar every 12 hours. The placebo group was received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo. The intraocular pressure in patients with OAG was measured in each group and compared at before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention. Results: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye at three times in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye at t1 when compared to t3. The patients in the intervention group expressed more satisfaction than the patients in the placebo group (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus hab shabyar instead of consuming of timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG.[GMJ.2019;In press:e1218]

Happiness, Virtue, and Political Society

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Rudavsky
Keyword(s):  
Moral Philosophy ◽  
Political Behavior ◽  
Political Society ◽  
Ideal Model ◽  
The Road ◽  
Doctrine Of The Mean ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Ideal ◽  
Divine Law

Chapter 9 is concerned with social and political behavior. Even in the context of moral philosophy, Jewish philosophers discuss issues within the wider context of a rational scientific perspective. This chapter begins with specific moral codes developed by Jewish thinkers, focusing in particular upon the works of Ibn Gabirol, Baḥya ibn Paquda, Maimonides, and Crescas. Can there be ethical dictates independent of the commandments? The rabbis already worried whether there existed a domain of “right behavior” that pre-dates, or exists independently of, divine commandment. Does Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean apply to divine law? Furthermore, can all humans achieve intellectual perfection? Is the road the same, and open, to all? And is there only one road to ultimate felicity, or are there many routes? The chapter ends with a discussion of whether human felicity can be achieved in this life, and whether the prophet best represents the ideal model for such achievement.

Flow cytometric identification and isolation of hypertrophic type II pneumocytes after partial pneumonectomy

1989 ◽  
Vol 257 (3) ◽  
pp. C528-C536 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Uhal ◽  
S. R. Rannels ◽  
D. E. Rannels
Keyword(s):  
Gradient Centrifugation ◽  
Type Ii Cells ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Acridine Orange Staining ◽  
Flow Cytometric ◽  
Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation ◽  
Type Ii Pneumocytes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cellular Dna ◽  
The Right

Type II pneumocytes were isolated by either Percoll density gradient centrifugation or by immunoglobulin G (IgG) panning from the lungs of normal rats and the right lung of rats subjected to left pneumonectomy. Cells were studied at 7- (pnx-7) and 15- (pnx-15) days postoperative, times during and after, respectively, rapid compensatory growth of the right lung. Acridine orange staining permitted resolution of type II cells from contaminants on the basis of high red fluorescence (greater than 590 nm). Simultaneous measurement of forward-angle light scatter (FALS) suggested a shift of pnx-7 cells toward greater size, which was reversed in pnx-15 cells. By Percoll gradient isolation, approximately 15% of pnx-7 cells analyzed were above the mean FALS of control cells. In contrast, approximately 30% of the pnx-7 cells isolated by IgG panning were above the mean FALS of corresponding control cells. Biochemical analyses of pnx-7 cells separated by cell sorting into "high FALS" and "low FALS" subgroups revealed that high FALS type II cells contained 50% more protein (P less than 0.05) and 140% more RNA (P less than 0.01) than low FALS cells, with no significant change in cellular DNA content. These data are consistent with previous studies of type II cells isolated from the lungs of pneumonectomized animals and confirm the presence of hypertrophic cells in these preparations. They provide a foundation from which to design further flow cytometric studies of the role of hypertrophic type II pneumocytes in compensatory lung growth.

scholarly journals Digit Variability in Carotenoid Scores Obtained with the Veggie Meter: A Pilot Study (P02-001-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Velarie Ansu ◽  
Stephanie Dickinson ◽  
Alyce Fly
Keyword(s):  
Indiana University ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Right Hand ◽  
Period Data ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
Mean Square Errors

Abstract Objectives To determine which digit and hand have the highest and lowest skin carotenoid scores, to compare inter-and-intra-hand variability of digits, and to determine if results are consistent with another subject. Methods Two subjects’ first(F1), second(F2), third(F3) and fifth(F5) digits on both hands were measured for skin carotenoids with a Veggie Meter, for 3 times on each of 18 days over a 37-day period. Data were subjected to ANOVA in a factorial treatment design to determine main effects for hand (2 levels), digits (4), and days (18) along with interactions. Differences between digits were determined by Tukey's post hoc test. Results There were significant hand x digit, hand x day, digit x day, and hand x digit x day interactions and significant simple main effects for hand, digit, and day (all P < 0.001). Mean square errors were 143.67 and 195.62 for subject A and B, respectively, which were smaller than mean squares for all main effects and interactions. The mean scores ± SD for F1, F2, F3, and F5 digits for the right vs left hands for subject A were F1:357.13 ± 45.97 vs 363.74 ± 46.94, F2:403.17 ± 44.77 vs. 353.20 ± 44.13, F3:406.76 ± 43.10 vs. 357.11 ± 45.13, and F5:374.95 ± 53.00 vs. 377.90 ± 47.38. For subject B, the mean scores ± SD for digits for the right vs left hands were F1:294.72 ± 61.63 vs 280.71 ± 52.48, F2:285.85 ± 66.92 vs 252.67 ± 67.56, F3:268.56 ± 57.03 vs 283.22 ± 45.87, and F5:288.18 ± 34.46 vs 307.54 ± 40.04. The digits on the right hand of both subjects had higher carotenoid scores than those on the left hands, even though subjects had different dominant hands. Subject A had higher skin carotenoid scores on the F3 and F2 digits for the right hand and F5 on the left hand. Subject B had higher skin carotenoid scores on F5 (right) and F1 (left) digits. Conclusions The variability due to hand, digit, and day were all greater than that of the 3 replicates within the digit-day for both volunteers. This indicates that data were not completely random across the readings when remeasuring the same finger. Different fingers displayed higher carotenoid scores for each volunteer. There is a need to conduct a larger study with more subjects and a range of skin tones to determine whether the reliability of measurements among digits of both hands is similar across the population. Funding Sources Indiana University.

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