Abstract

This paper examines how incorporating theoretical virtues in belief updating affects the long-term success of epistemic communities. Drawing on NK landscape models of the type used by Lazer and Friedman (2007), simulation results are used to show that when epistemic agents in a connected community factor in virtues like conservatism, modesty, and familiarity in theory selection, agents hold differing beliefs for longer periods of time. This increase in transient diversity typically leads to greater long-term communal epistemic success, a benefit that becomes more pronounced as interconnectedness between community members increases.