Discovering Reality: Feminist Perspectives on Epistemology, Metaphysics, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science

Description

Discovering Reality: Feminist Perspectives on Epistemology, Metaphysics, Methodology, and Philosophy of Science, edited by Sandra Harding and Merrill B. Hintikka, is a groundbreaking anthology that explores how feminist theory reshapes traditional notions of knowledge, reality, and scientific inquiry. This influential collection, first published in 1983, challenges the historically male-dominated perspectives that have shaped philosophy and science, exposing the implicit biases and power dynamics embedded within them. The contributors—leading feminist scholars and philosophers—critique classical and contemporary epistemological and metaphysical frameworks, arguing that conventional theories of knowledge often exclude or marginalize women's experiences and ways of knowing. They call for a rethinking of objectivity, rationality, and scientific method, advocating for a more inclusive, socially responsible approach to knowledge production. Through incisive essays, the book reveals how gender influences not only the subjects of scientific research but also the methods and values that underpin inquiry itself. It questions the assumed neutrality of science and philosophy, highlighting the role of social, political, and historical contexts in shaping knowledge. Discovering Reality is not just a critique but a visionary proposal for feminist epistemology and methodology that seeks to democratize and transform intellectual practices. It remains a foundational text in feminist philosophy, science studies, and epistemology, opening up vital debates about objectivity, truth, and the social construction of knowledge.