Reading Ryder through Open-mindedness

Abstract

Open-mindedness, considered by the epistemologists of virtue as a paradigmatic virtue is more than an agent’s aptitude that allows true knowledge, a virtue linked to an ontological and epistemological interpretation as well as an ethical and political normative proposal. Analyzing Ryder's work through its relationship with open-mindedness allows us to enrich a theory that considers this virtue as a core philosophical concept. Furthermore, it enlightens Ryder's philosophy showing some of its implications. This paper details relevant aspects of the relation between open-mindedness as virtue and Ryder´s pragmatic naturalism.