Epistemic injustice and the bias behind belief: feminist reflections on testimonial harm, conceptual engineering, misogyny and reproductive rights

Pandey, Shweta (2025) Epistemic injustice and the bias behind belief: feminist reflections on testimonial harm, conceptual engineering, misogyny and reproductive rights. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The thesis conducts an in-depth examination of various aspects of epistemic injustice, focusing on how social structures, gender norms, and institutional power dynamics influence the production, distribution, and reception of knowledge. The discussion begins with a look at epistemic injustice, referencing the foundational work of Miranda Fricker to illustrate its impact on our lived realities. It specifically addresses certain domains of human knowledge and highlights the damaging manifestations of epistemic injustice. After establishing this basis, the thesis explores numerous facets of existence affected by epistemic injustice, including testimony, gender roles, gender conceptualisation, and the moral aspects of abortion, alongside the misogynistic ideals associated with specific social classes. A critical analysis of epistemic injustice reveals the current situation and uncovers structural domination by those in power, highlighting how individuals’ social positions perpetuate this dominance. The primary objective is to advocate for a liberation-oriented epistemology that aims to incorporate marginalised voices, challenge conventional definitions of knowledge, underscore diverse experiences, and transform epistemic practices to achieve equity. It weaves together theoretical insights from various fields to argue for reorienting epistemology to combat oppression and cultivate more inclusive and equitable knowledge systems.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
• Supervisor's Name: Simion, Dr. Mona, Kelp, Professor Christoph and Jenkins, Professor Katharine
• Date of Award: 2025
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2025-85523
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 21 Oct 2025 09:41
• Last Modified: 24 Oct 2025 09:32
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.85523
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/85523