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Feminist Philosophy of Science: Values and Objectivity
Author(s) -
Crasnow Sharon
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
philosophy compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.973
H-Index - 25
ISSN - 1747-9991
DOI - 10.1111/phc3.12023
Subject(s) - objectivity (philosophy) , feminist philosophy , epistemology , feminist epistemology , empiricism , social epistemology , philosophy of science , sociology , philosophy of social science , social philosophy , philosophy , social science , social relation
Feminist philosophy of science appears to present problems for the ideal of value‐free science. These difficulties also challenge a traditional understanding of the objectivity of science. However, feminist philosophers of science have good reasons for desiring to retain some concept of objectivity. The present essay considers several recent and influential feminist approaches to the role of social and political values in science, with particular focus on feminist empiricism and feminist standpoint theory. The similarities and difference, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches are explored. The essay concludes with suggestions for future research in the area of feminist epistemology and philosophy of science.