CRCV Webinar Series
Dr. Heather Battaly

Dr. Heather Battaly | University of Connecticut

Title: Is Group Solidarity always a Virtue?

Abstract: What is solidarity and is the solidarity of a group always a virtue? Is there a difference between the trait of solidarity and the virtue of solidarity? Can the trait of solidarity be a vice? This paper suggests that it can. It argues that for the trait of solidarity to be a virtue, a group must have good aims and exercise good judgment. Without good judgment, solidarity can go overboard: too much of it can result in epistemic vices, such as mindless outsourcing, uncritical deference and conformity, self-silencing, and epistemic stagnation.