Sandra Harding

American philosopher

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July 19, 2026

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Sandra Harding is an American philosopher known for her work in feminist theory, particularly her development of standpoint theory. This theory posits that knowledge is shaped by one's social position, arguing that marginalized groups, such as women, have a unique perspective that can lead to a more critical understanding of social and natural phenomena than those in privileged positions. Harding's work challenges the notion of traditional science as purely objective, suggesting that it often overlooks or marginalizes women's experiences and perspectives. Her contributions are central to philosophical feminism, which critically examines gender bias in philosophical concepts and defends equality for women.

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philosophical feminism
Feminist epistemology and philosophy of science
…this point, the feminist philosophers 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…
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…this point, the feminist philosophers 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…
Read More

standpoint theory
The American feminist theorist Sandra Harding coined the term standpoint theory to categorize epistemologies that emphasize women’s knowledge. She argued that it is easy for those at the top of social hierarchies to lose sight of real human relations and the true nature of social reality and thus miss…
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The American feminist theorist Sandra Harding coined the term standpoint theory to categorize epistemologies that emphasize women’s knowledge. She argued that it is easy for those at the top of social hierarchies to lose sight of real human relations and the true nature of social reality and thus miss…
Read More