The Virtue of Open-Mindedness and Perspective

It is hard to underestimate the value and influence that open-mindedness can have on our lives. Indeed, our success often depends crucially on our ability to interact with others, and the quality of those interactions. We are, after all, not the generic, abstract, isolated, self-sufficient agents assumed by a classically Cartesian theoretical framework. It is in our best interest to realize this falsehood, and act with our true selves to rectify that, to live better.
Yet of course open-mindedness and perspective can also be responsible for some of our most catastrophic epistemic failures. Conspiracy theories, group-think, echo chambers, charismatic charlatans, identity politic-s-these are all phenomena by which individuals can be led astray precisely by being open to the influence of others. Being epistemically successful as a human, in our particular predicament, requires being "appropriately" open to the influence of others.
This multi-disciplinary volume of new essays shows us a path forward. Bringing to bear a variety of perspectives, the essays examine cognitive and conceptual architecture, popular culture, colonialization, and arts training. Together they redefine the boundaries of open-mindedness and perspective in favor of a rich and complex conception of these ever-important virtues.

Wayne D. Riggs is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma, where he has taught since 1995 and served as department chair for ten years. He is the author of numerous articles on epistemology and open-mindedness.