The Role of Virtue Epistemology in Resolving Internal-External Debates Taking the Sosa Virtue Perspective as an Example

Abstract

In the development of contemporary epistemology, the evolving research focus of virtue epistemology has shifted towards the rational virtue that generates knowledge, thereby deepening our understanding of the essence of knowledge. Sosa's moral perspective is particularly prominent, skillfully blending the essence of internalism and externalism. Sosa not only retained the emphasis of internalism on the "controllability" of the internal state of the knower, but also absorbed the viewpoint of externalism that emphasizes the close connection between knowledge and the external world. This dual perspective of internal and external cultivation not only enhances the inclusiveness of its theory, but also significantly improves its ability to explain complex knowledge phenomena, opening up new avenues for resolving the long-standing internal and external disputes. Furthermore, Sosa's holistic approach fosters a comprehensive view of epistemic virtue, seamlessly integrating personal introspection with environmental interaction, thereby enriching contemporary debates and fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of knowledge acquisition.