How navigation systems transform epistemic virtues: Knowledge, issues and solutions

Alexander James Gillett; Richard Heersmink

doi:10.1016/j.cogsys.2019.03.004

How navigation systems transform epistemic virtues: Knowledge, issues and solutions

Alexander James Gillett^*, Richard Heersmink

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse how GPS-based navigation systems are transforming some of our intellectual virtues and then suggest two strategies to improve our practices regarding the use of such epistemic tools. We start by outlining the two main approaches in virtue epistemology, namely virtue reliabilism and virtue responsibilism. We then discuss how navigation systems can undermine five epistemic virtues, namely memory, perception, attention, intellectual autonomy, and intellectual carefulness. We end by considering two possible interlinked ways of trying to remedy this situation: [i] redesigning the epistemic tool to improve the epistemic virtues of memory, perception, and attention; and [ii] the cultivation of cognitive diligence for wayfinding tasks scaffolding intellectual autonomy and carefulness.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	36-49
Number of pages	14
Journal	Cognitive Systems Research
Volume	56
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsys.2019.03.004
Publication status	Published - Aug 2019
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Behavioural geography
Cognitive artifacts
Cognitive diligence
Cognitive science
Design
GPS devices
Navigation
Route knowledge
Spatial cognition
Survey knowledge
Virtue epistemology
Wayfinding technology

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10.1016/j.cogsys.2019.03.004

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title = "How navigation systems transform epistemic virtues: Knowledge, issues and solutions",

abstract = "In this paper, we analyse how GPS-based navigation systems are transforming some of our intellectual virtues and then suggest two strategies to improve our practices regarding the use of such epistemic tools. We start by outlining the two main approaches in virtue epistemology, namely virtue reliabilism and virtue responsibilism. We then discuss how navigation systems can undermine five epistemic virtues, namely memory, perception, attention, intellectual autonomy, and intellectual carefulness. We end by considering two possible interlinked ways of trying to remedy this situation: [i] redesigning the epistemic tool to improve the epistemic virtues of memory, perception, and attention; and [ii] the cultivation of cognitive diligence for wayfinding tasks scaffolding intellectual autonomy and carefulness.",

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language = "English",

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KW - Cognitive artifacts

KW - Cognitive diligence

KW - Cognitive science

KW - Design

KW - GPS devices

KW - Navigation

KW - Route knowledge

KW - Spatial cognition

KW - Survey knowledge

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KW - Wayfinding technology

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ER -

How navigation systems transform epistemic virtues: Knowledge, issues and solutions

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Keywords

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