A Critique on the Solution of Zakzewoski’s Virtue Responsibilism to the Gettier Problem

Religion and Social Communication Vol. 24, No. 1 (2026)
ISSN 3057-0883 (Online)

Author

Liu Caiqin
Department of Literature and Journalism,
Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
Email: liucaiqin@gdou.edu.cn
ORCID: 0009-0002-8787-6234

Abstract

Edmund Gettier demonstrated that the traditional analysis of knowledge (as a justified true belief) is insufficient. Some philosophers have proposed that virtue epistemology holds the key to solving the Gettier problem. Among them, Zagzebski’s virtue responsibilism has gained significant popularity. This solution posits that knowledge is a belief state originating from acts of intellectual virtue, where these acts are driven by intellectually virtuous motivations, the cognizer successfully achieves the ultimate goal of motivation (truth and understanding) through these acts. In other words, knowledge (truth) is attained because of the operation of one’s intellectual virtues. This revision of the traditional analysis of knowledge purportedly escapes the problems identified in the Gettier cases. In this paper, I argue that Zagzebski’s definition of knowledge is problematic as it cannot be proven that intellectual virtue is a necessary condition for knowledge. Furthermore, in the metaphysical context of mind–things dualism, it is unrealistic to attempt to establish a stable and reliable connection between intellectual virtue (the mind) and truth (the external world). In short, the intellectual virtue of epistemic agent cannot guarantee the acquisition of knowledge. It is not the key to solving the Gettier problem.

Keywords

Gettier problem, Zagzebski, virtue responsibilism, virtue epistemology, intellectual virtue, cognitive character

References

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Pages: 35–53

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62461/CQL181026

Submitted, Accepted & Published Dates

Submitted: July 30, 2025
Accepted: October 18, 2025
Published: January 10, 2026

Cite this article

Liu, Caiqin. “A Critique on the Solution of Zakzewoski’s Virtue Responsibilism to the Gettier Problem.” Religion and Social Communication 24, no. 1 (2026): 35–53. https://doi.org/10.62461/CQL181026.

A Critique on the Solution of Zakzewoski’s Virtue Responsibilism to the Gettier Problem

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