Review article
Feminist Epistemology
Ivana Brstilo
Abstract
Starting with the social conditionality of knowledge and science, this paper attempts to examine the mentioned terms within feminist epistemology, a specific branch of epistemology, the discipline of philosophy. Considering that feminist epistemology represents a criticism of the so-called neutral knowledge and objective science, the emphasis is placed on the social conditionality of knowledge and scientific concepts, thus arguing for the importance of context and the so-called socialized knowledge. Feminist epistemology claims that a privileged position of the male as the creator of knowledge and subject of science is achieved by positioning the female as a marginalized scientific object. The male defines the terms and forms theories, therefore the (over)ruling male norm is at the same time the official scientific (and social) norm that neglects female experiences. Scientific research are thus sexist in their construction while patriarchal practices are perpetrated through scientific methods and forms. By articulating the Woman Question in science, feminist epistemology demonstrates the implications of androcentric scientific tradition in academic community and everyday life. Feministic epistemological programs consist of empirical advocates, postmodern representatives and standpoint theorists who in their discourse of propositions emphasize the fundamental aspects of feminist epistemology: the critique of science, context and community.
Keywords
feminist epistemology; knowledge; science; social context (socialized knowledge); androcentrism; social inequality; feminist epistemological programs
Hrčak ID:
59829
URI
Publication date:
16.8.2010.
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