Epistemic injustice is a form of discrimination that occurs when an individual's knowledge or credibility is dismissed or marginalized due to their social identity or position. This can manifest in various ways, such as when women scientists are not taken seriously by male colleagues, or when marginalized communities are ignored or silenced in academic discourse. Epistemic injustice undermines the pursuit of knowledge and truth, as it prevents diverse perspectives and experiences from contributing to our understanding of the world.
RECOMMEND READING: (1) Epistemology & (2) Standpoint Theory Gig Philosophy pages for (1) traditional accounts of knowledge in the philosophical canon and (2) an overview of the ways in which reason has conventionally been linked to masculinity, while unreason has been linked to femininity.
Don't Let Gaslighting Dim Your Light!
Epistemic ignorance is a state of mind where one lacks knowledge or understanding of a particular subject due to limitations in their information or understanding. It's distinct from metaphysical ignorance, which refers to the inherent limitations of human knowledge, such as the unknowability of certain aspects of the universe.
Epistemic ignorance can be overcome through education, research, & experience, while metaphysical ignorance is a fundamental constraint on human cognition.
Epistemic privilege is a form of social advantage that allows certain individuals or groups to have greater access to knowledge, understanding, & credibility than others. It's rooted in societal structures and biases that often favor particular demographics (e.g., race, gender, class, education). This privilege can lead to disparities in how different perspectives are valued & recognized, ultimately impacting the production & dissemination of knowledge.
Epistemic resistance is a philosophical concept that describes the tendency to resist or reject information that contradicts our existing beliefs, even when such information is rationally compelling & supported by evidence. It can manifest in various ways, such as denial, dismissal, or selective interpretation of evidence. The concept often highlights the psychological and social factors that can impede our ability to objectively evaluate information & learn from it.
