A study on the role of epistemic virtues to combat rumor
Rumor is one of the major components of epistemic pollution that can spread animosity and hatred. Though the detrimental presence of rumor can be traced back to the dawn of civilization, its detrimental impact has been accelerated due to an incredible expansion of our epistemic networks since the beginning of the era of ICT. In order to minimize the adverse impacts of rumors, we need to identify effective remedies that can help us combat them. In order to do so, this study has delineated the nature of rumor and explained its patterns of origin and transmission in line with existing scholarly reflections. This study mentions that rumors can be true or false and argues that false rumors cannot be considered knowledge. True rumors may possess some epistemic components only under certain conditions. This study also acknowledges that sometimes true rumors can be considered a reliable source of information. However, the general unreliability of rumors outweighs their reliability. After examining numerous factors that motivate people to engage in believing, endorsing, and transmitting rumors, this study identifies the deficiency of epistemic virtues as a strong catalyst behind those factors and argues that proper cultivation of epistemic virtues can help us in combating rumors.