Standpoint Epistemology - Epistemology Video 33

This is video 33 in an introductory course on epistemology, the philosophy of knowledge. In this video, we look at standpoint epistemology, a movement within social epistemology that is especially interested in the epistemic effects of social inequality -- including the counter-intuitive idea that the oppressed may have a privileged epistemic position.
Victor Gijsbers teaches philosophy at Leiden University in the Netherlands. You can follow him on mastodon: @[e-mail].
This video is part of a lecture series originally recorded for my students during the 2023/2024 spring semester. The entire playlist is here: • Course in Epistemology

[@francescocerasuolo4064]

lovely video, thank you ❤

[@criticality2056]

To be a concrete example you need to follow with at least a few things: Did it improve school attendance? How much is attributed to this policy with good methodology? Was the improvement in the targeted groups? Until the results are analyzed you only have a supposition.

[@simoneverodimarrow]

❤

[@Julius0906]

It's super-confusing reading literature drawing on the concept 'epistemic privilege' since 50% of the texts define it as DOMINANT groups dictate what should be understood as knowledge; whilst the other 50% define it in a contradictory (almost the opposite) way - namely, as OPPRESSED groups/individuals direct access to knowledge about their situation.

[@martinbennett2228]

This argument seems to be similar, perhaps running in parallel to J.S. Mill's arguments for a modern (as opposed to classical) Liberalism.
Mill observes that ideas and knowledge that are beneficial to society are, due to their novelty the product of minority thinking. Majorities do not produce new ways of thinking and living. But we cannot know from what minorities or marginalised groups beneficial new insights might emerge. Consequently if we are to value enhancements in wellbeing, we need to ensure that minority groups are protected and be allowed to flourish in their own way, so long as in doing so they are not acting in ways that are substantively detrimental to others.
Mill concludes that the protection of minorities, resisting oppression and countering social inequalities is a net benefit to the whole of society.

[@martinbennett2228]

A point to this comparison is that Standpoint Epistemology (as presented here) depends on a utilitarian approach. Mill's arguments which reach similar conclusions do not rely on testimony from the standpoint of disadvantaged minorities obviously have a much more explicit utilitarian basis.

[@criticality2056]

What is a minority in this use?

[@ThisCommentWroteItself]

This video is dynamite!

[@criticality2056]

If it matters who does the science, you aren't doing science anymore.