Reflective Equilibrium

Definition

Reflective equilibrium is a method of ethical reasoning where one seeks to achieve coherence between their general principles and specific judgments. It involves balancing our considered beliefs and intuitions with our theoretical commitments, leading to a more refined understanding of knowledge and justification. This process is particularly relevant in evaluating knowledge claims, ensuring that both reliable processes and responsible intellectual virtues are in harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reflective equilibrium can be achieved by adjusting either our specific judgments or our general principles until they align, creating a state of balance.
2. The method emphasizes the importance of both intuitive judgments and theoretical frameworks, making it a flexible tool in the pursuit of knowledge.
3. In virtue epistemology, reflective equilibrium helps establish the relationship between epistemic virtues and the processes that lead to justified beliefs.
4. This approach allows for iterative adjustments, promoting a dynamic understanding of knowledge that evolves as new information and perspectives are considered.
5. Reflective equilibrium is often used in ethical reasoning but can be applied in various domains of epistemology to assess the justification of beliefs.

Review Questions

• How does reflective equilibrium facilitate the relationship between specific judgments and general principles in knowledge acquisition?
  • Reflective equilibrium facilitates this relationship by allowing individuals to adjust their specific judgments or general principles to achieve coherence. This method encourages a balance where intuitive beliefs and theoretical commitments support each other, leading to a more refined understanding of knowledge. By constantly revisiting and revising beliefs based on new insights or experiences, reflective equilibrium promotes a dynamic approach to knowledge acquisition.
• Discuss how reflective equilibrium relates to both reliabilist and responsibilist approaches in virtue epistemology.
  • Reflective equilibrium relates to reliabilist approaches by emphasizing the reliability of processes that lead to justified beliefs, as one can evaluate whether their methods align with coherent principles. In contrast, responsibilist approaches focus on the intellectual virtues that an agent should embody. Reflective equilibrium bridges these two by requiring individuals to consider both the reliability of their belief-forming processes and their commitment to virtuous intellectual practices, ensuring that justification is rooted in both effective methods and responsible reasoning.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of reflective equilibrium as a method for assessing knowledge claims within virtue epistemology.
  • The effectiveness of reflective equilibrium as a method for assessing knowledge claims within virtue epistemology lies in its ability to incorporate diverse perspectives and iterative refinement. By requiring individuals to align their intuitive judgments with their broader theoretical commitments, it encourages a thorough examination of one's beliefs. This method also highlights the significance of epistemic virtues, fostering responsible inquiry while ensuring that knowledge claims are not only justified through reliable processes but also reflect an individual’s commitment to intellectual integrity. Consequently, reflective equilibrium serves as a robust framework for navigating complex knowledge claims while promoting both reliability and responsibility.

Related terms

Epistemic Virtue: An intellectual trait or quality that promotes the acquisition of knowledge, such as open-mindedness, intellectual courage, and humility.

Coherence Theory: A theory of justification that posits beliefs are justified if they cohere or fit well within a larger system of beliefs.

Reliabilism: A theory in epistemology that suggests beliefs are justified if they are produced by a reliable process, emphasizing the importance of the mechanisms through which knowledge is acquired.