Harraway’s article unites a vision of radical epistemology with some of the well-established Feminist perspectives on scientific or rational objectivity. While refuting the claim of objectivity made by Western science and the concepts of objectivity which are regularly ascribed to what she calls an “invisible conspiracy of masculine scientists and philosophers replete with grants and laboratories” (Harraway, 1988, p.
575); while such an assertion may seem a bit coy, Harraway’s intention in the article is to present some profoundly radical ideas regarding the nature of epistemology while all the while attempting to couch her language and concepts in a form which will allow for relatively easy understanding by academic and non-academic readers.
One of the most significant aspects of Harraway’s ideas is her conclusion that so-called objective knowledge is, in fact, a myth and the myth of objective knowledge is a key tool in amassing power by individuals and groups as well as intellectual disciplines such as science and philosophy. By combining her ideas on the nature of power with post-structuralist and deconstructionist philosophy, Harraway explores the nature not only of language as it relates to concepts of objective knowledge, but of sensory perception as well.
Harraway notes that the idea of objectivity has been substituted for subjective belief almost entirely and that true objective knowledge is not based in specific individual evidence but by mutual evidences: “Objectivity is not about disengagement but about mutual and unusually unequal structuring, about taking risks in a wold where “we” are permanently mortal, that is, not in “final” control” (Harraway, 1998, p.
596) which forms the key of Harraway’s thesis: that “objective” knowledge by its own nature cannot be claimed by any specific party with assurance. Two questions which arise from reading the article are: 1) What are the achievements of science and philosophy which have emerged from the admittedly flawed and masculine vision of objective knowledge? and 2) How could some of Harraway’s more demanding intellectual ideas be presented in such a way as to stimulate and educate “ordinary” people?
What would such a radical shift in everyday vision mean to the world? Is Harraway’s “epistemological relativity” analogous in any way to recent concepts in quantum physics and modern science?
Reference
Harraway, Donna. “Situational Knowledge: the Science Question in Feminism and the Privilege of Partial Perspective. ” Feminist Studies, Vol 14, No. 3, pp. 575-599.
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers.
Get your custom essay
Helping students since 2015
Essay Writing Service Features
Our Experience
No matter how complex your assignment is, we can find the right professional for your specific task. Contact Essay is an essay writing company that hires only the smartest minds to help you with your projects. Our expertise allows us to provide students with high-quality academic writing, editing & proofreading services.
Free Features
Free revision policy
$10Free bibliography & reference
$8Free title page
$8Free formatting
$8How Our Essay Writing Service Works
First, you will need to complete an order form. It's not difficult but, in case there is anything you find not to be clear, you may always call us so that we can guide you through it. On the order form, you will need to include some basic information concerning your order: subject, topic, number of pages, etc. We also encourage our clients to upload any relevant information or sources that will help.
Complete the order form
Once we have all the information and instructions that we need, we select the most suitable writer for your assignment. While everything seems to be clear, the writer, who has complete knowledge of the subject, may need clarification from you. It is at that point that you would receive a call or email from us.
Writer’s assignment
As soon as the writer has finished, it will be delivered both to the website and to your email address so that you will not miss it. If your deadline is close at hand, we will place a call to you to make sure that you receive the paper on time.
Completing the order and download