The Quiet Power of Not Knowing
Table of Contents
David Marchetti recently spoke with the philosopher Miranda Fricker about epistemic injustice-the harm done to someone when their credibility is unfairly undermined-and its surprisingly pervasive nature.
David Marchetti: What is epistemic injustice?
Miranda Fricker: It’s a relatively new concept,coined in 2007. It comes in two main varieties. Testimonial injustice happens when prejudice causes a hearer to give a speaker less credibility than they deserve.So, if someone dismisses a woman’s account of sexual harassment as they believe women are prone to exaggeration, that’s testimonial injustice. The other variety is hermeneutical injustice. this occurs when a gap in collective interpretive resources puts someone at a disadvantage when trying to make sense of their social experiences.
Imagine, before the concept of sexual harassment existed, a woman trying to explain what was happening to her at work. She might have felt crazy, or blamed herself, because there was no shared vocabulary or understanding to articulate her experience.That’s hermeneutical injustice.It’s about a lack of conceptual tools.
Marchetti: you write that epistemic injustice is frequently enough subtle. It’s not always about overt prejudice.
Fricker: Exactly. It’s often a matter of ingrained habits of thought. We all have biases, conscious and unconscious. And these biases can affect how we perceive and respond to others. It’s not necessarily that someone is deliberately trying to be unfair. It’s that they’re operating within a system that systematically disadvantages certain groups.
Marchetti: You talk about the importance of “epistemic humility.” What does that mean?
Fricker: It’s the recognition that you don’t know everything, and that your viewpoint is limited. It’s about being open to the possibility that you might be wrong, and being willing to listen to others, even if you disagree with them. It’s also about recognizing that knowledge is often socially situated.what counts as knowledge, and who gets to be a knower, is often determined by power dynamics.
marchetti: Is there a connection between epistemic injustice and the current political climate?
Fricker: Absolutely. We’re living in a time of intense polarization, where people are increasingly unwilling to listen to those who hold diffrent views. This creates a fertile ground for epistemic injustice. When we dismiss someone’s perspective simply because we disagree with it, we’re perpetuating a system that silences marginalized voices.And when we refuse to acknowledge the validity of others’ experiences, we’re undermining the very foundations of a democratic society.
Marchetti: What can we do to combat epistemic injustice?
Fricker: The first step is to become aware of it. To recognize that it exists, and that we are all capable of perpetuating it. We need to cultivate epistemic humility,and be willing to listen to others with an open mind. We also need to challenge the systems that systematically disadvantage certain groups. This means advocating for policies that promote equality and inclusion, and creating spaces where marginalized voices can be heard. It’s not easy work, but it’s essential if we want to create a more just and equitable world.
Richie Birkenhead on Craft, Memory, and a Commodores shirt
For The New Yorker Radio Hour, I spoke with Richie Birkenhead about craft, memory, and an old Commodores shirt I found years ago. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
The Allure of the Vintage Shirt
I collect vintage music shirts-I have my whole adult life-and I think I found someone who maybe worked for the Commodores’ road crew, ’cause they sold me all this stuff from the ’81 tour.I got this ’81 tour crew shirt, and on the back it says, “They make it rock, we make it roll.”
No. That is badass. Oh, my God, man. Wow!
Craft and Self-Assessment
Birkenhead’s work is marked by a rigorous self-assessment. He doesn’t shy away from examining his own flaws and shortcomings, both in his life and in his writing. This honesty is a key component of his appeal and the power of his storytelling.
The Importance of Honesty in Writing
He believes that true connection with an audience comes from vulnerability and a willingness to confront tough truths. This isn’t about self-flagellation, but rather a commitment to authenticity. He strives to understand his motivations and biases, and to present a nuanced portrayal of himself and the world around him.
Memory, Birkenhead explains, is not a perfect recording of the past. It’s a reconstruction, shaped by our present selves and our emotional needs. He approaches memory with a critical eye, acknowledging its inherent unreliability while still recognizing its importance in shaping our identities.
Tenderness and Accountability
A striking aspect of birkenhead’s work is the balance he strikes between holding himself accountable for his past actions and extending compassion to his younger self. He doesn’t offer excuses, but he does seek to understand the context in which those actions occurred.
The Value of Self-Compassion
This isn’t about letting himself off the hook, but about recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and that growth requires self-forgiveness. He believes that true accountability involves not only acknowledging our errors but also learning from them and striving to do better in the future.
key Takeaways
- Authenticity and vulnerability are crucial for connecting with an audience.
- Memory is a reconstruction, not a perfect record, and should be approached with critical awareness.
- Accountability and self-compassion are both essential for personal growth.
- Rigorous self-assessment is a cornerstone of strong storytelling.