Beyond Objectivity: How Feminist Epistemology Challenges and Redefines Traditional Epistemology

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Ejuchegahi A. Angwaomaodoko

Abstract

Feminist epistemology is a relatively new strand in the theory of knowledge. At its heart, the theory seeks to challenge fundamentally the traditional epistemic assumption that proper knowledge has to be "neutral" or "objective." It goes about achieving this aim by arguing that social identities like gender and race contribute to how individuals understand and interpret the world. This is really one way to say that it critiques traditional epistemology's assumption that the ideal knower can stand above social context. Because of this view, feminist epistemologists instead propose the thesis that persons or groups that are marginalised in one way or another have unique and valuable insights into the structures of power that do marginalise them. However, that knowledge is incomplete without taking these perspectives into consideration. The theory takes inspiration from feminist empiricism, postmodernism, and, most centrally, standpoint theory. This paper argues that feminist epistemology repurposes epistemology just by advocating for "strong objectivity." Strong objectivity here is a concept that includes diverse standpoints to enrich and deepen understanding. Moreover, though feminist postmodernism has been criticised for leaning too much towards relativism, standpoint theory provides a more constructive openwork for appreciating how social situatedness can inform knowledge. And not just that, it also maintains a commitment to truth and justice by attempting to recognise the epistemic value of marginalised voices. By doing this, feminist epistemology aims to produce knowledge that is not only accurate but also socially responsible, which is to say that it broadens the scope and purpose of epistemological inquiry.

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