This work makes a critique of the possibility of Jane Duran’s Feminist Epistemology. The idea of a feminist epistemology, specifically, Jane Duran’s gynocentric model endangers our quest for truth in epistemology in a manner that makes a gross mistake of attempting to equate facts with values. It does assert a subtle political constraint on the method and conclusion of the findings of a researcher on grounds that such conclusion does not support the feminist perspective. This is the central problem this work sets to investigate. This study employing the method of content and critical analysis holds that, Duran’s claim that the whole of traditional analytic epistemology is inherently apsychological, hypernormative and androcentric does not constitute sufficient grounds for the jettisoning of traditional analytic epistemology for a feminist epistemology. The findings reveal that Unarguably, Duran has significantly conscientized us on the peculiarities of women as also both the subject and object of knowledge. Also, she has drawn our attention to possibility of certain masculinist traits she claims exist in analytic epistemology. However, while Duran’s model has contributed substantially to the problem of knowledge, it falls short of an ideal theory of knowledge, leaving room for further debate and exploration. Consequently, in making the critique of the possibility of a feminist epistemology in the light of Jane Duran’s, we argued and maintained the conclusion that these purported claims do not constitute grounds for the substitution of analytic epistemology with her feminist epistemology. Thus, whether there is a way of knowing that pertains to women or men for that matter as epistemic agents, the common search for truth and logical reasoning as dealt with in analytic epistemology still remains valid. Therefore, this study recommends exploring alternative models that will consider and accommodate both genders in her approach to the epistemic impasse created by Duran.
Victor Chizi Ihunda, Ph.D
victor_ihunda@uniport.edu.ng
08147035665
RemigiusAchinikeObah, Ph.D
remigius.obah@uniport.edu.ng
08039341638
Department of Philosophy, University of Port Harcourt,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Nigeria
