My research on theoretical virtues invites dialogue across the disciplines on how to recognize good theories. Theoretical virtues are the traits of a theory that show it is probably true or worth accepting. Analysis of widely accepted theories in the most respected domains of human knowledge can help us to more skillfully cultivate the theoretical virtues in all disciplines. I offer a new systematization of the theoretical virtues at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11229-017-1355-6 (and via. PhilPapers) to deepen our understanding of them, and to spark methodological dialogue especially among practitioners of the social and natural …
My research on theoretical virtues invites dialogue across the disciplines on how to recognize good theories. Theoretical virtues are the traits of a theory that show it is probably true or worth accepting. Analysis of widely accepted theories in the most respected domains of human knowledge can help us to more skillfully cultivate the theoretical virtues in all disciplines. I offer a new systematization of the theoretical virtues at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11229-017-1355-6 (and via. PhilPapers) to deepen our understanding of them, and to spark methodological dialogue especially among practitioners of the social and natural sciences, history, and philosophy. You can download my essay as a PDF or read it online with an iPhone, iPad, laptop, or other compatible device. Online reading provides many weblinks (CrossRef and Google Scholar) in the references that are unavailable in the PDF format. Use my free online “Systematizing the Theoretical Virtues” essay as a reading assignment in one of your courses (e.g., philosophy of science, epistemology, logic, or critical thinking).
