Abstract Pattern-based reasons are for action deriving not from the features of our own actions, but larger patterns in which we might be participating. These relate to that will actually carried out, or they merely hypothetical patterns. In past work, I have argued accepting pattern-based reasons, together with a plausible account how weigh these can lead disastrous consequences. However, this...

Intellectual courage requires acting to promote epistemic goods despite significant risk of harm. Courage is distinguished from recklessness and cowardice because the expected benefit a courageous action outweighs (in some sense) threatened Sometimes, however, inquirers pursue theories that are not best supported by their current evidence. For these inquirers, actions cannot be explained appeal...