Helen Longino

American philosopher

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July 19, 2026

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Helen Longino is an American philosopher known for her work in feminist epistemology and philosophy of science. She argues that scientific knowledge is a social activity and that the diversity of perspectives within a community of inquirers is crucial for objectivity. Longino highlights how historical exclusion of women and other marginalized groups from scientific communities has led to biases in scientific conclusions. She emphasizes that science is not value-free and that welcoming diverse voices can lead to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the world.12

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philosophical feminism
Feminist epistemology and philosophy of science
Sandra Harding, Lorraine Code, and Helen Longino noted that “communities of knowers”—those recognized as experts in some field of inquiry—were remarkably homogeneous, not only with respect to sex but also with respect to race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Most such knowers, in other words, were white, Western, heterosexual men. To…
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Sandra Harding, Lorraine Code, and Helen Longino noted that “communities of knowers”—those recognized as experts in some field of inquiry—were remarkably homogeneous, not only with respect to sex but also with respect to race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Most such knowers, in other words, were white, Western, heterosexual men. To…
Read More