Feminist Philosophy of Science

Feminist Epistemology & Scientific Objectivity

The Philosophy of Science also deeply examines the role of human bias and values within scientific practice:

• • The Myth of Pure Objectivity: There is a common myth that science is completely objective and scientists are free from bias. In reality, science is conducted by humans who are subject to partial biases, which can creep in and taint both the process of conducting research and the content of scientific theories.

  • Science is Not Value-Neutral: Feminist critiques argue that science is motivated by personal, financial, and other interests. For example, assuming biological determinism (that there are inherent biological differences between males and females without considering social construction) has historically impacted how hypotheses are chosen and data is interpreted.

  • Values as a Resource: Pretending that rational science is completely value-free risks promoting bad science and misleading the public. Instead, feminist epistemology suggests that certain legitimate biases and values actually serve a positive, generative function. A "feminist bias" can act as a resource that provides a pluralistic, non-exclusionary understanding, ultimately making theories better equipped to track the truth and overcome oppression.