Epistemic Injustice and Illness. Issue 2 (8th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kidd, Ian James; Carel, Havi
• Other Names: Coady David guestEditor.; Fricker Miranda guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied philosophy. Volume 34:Issue 2(2017:May)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 190
• Publication Date: 2016-02-08
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; Ethics -- Periodicals; Social ethics -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1111/japp.12172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-3758

Abstract

Abstract: This article analyses the phenomenon of epistemic injustice within contemporary healthcare. We begin by detailing the persistent complaints patients make about their testimonial frustration and hermeneutical marginalization, and the negative impact this has on their care. We offer an epistemic analysis of this problem using Miranda Fricker's account of epistemic injustice. We detail two types of epistemic injustice, testimonial and hermeneutical, and identify the negative stereotypes and structural features of modern healthcare practices that generate them. We claim that these stereotypes and structural features render ill persons especially vulnerable to these two types of epistemic injustice. We end by proposing five avenues for further work on epistemic injustice in healthcare.