From Speculation to Epistemological Violence in Psychology

Abstract

Based on historical and theoretical reflections it is argued that speculation cannot be eradicated from psychology and that it is a necessary part of empirical research, specifically when it concerns the interpretation of data. The quality of those interpretative speculations of data is particularly relevant when they concern human groups and differences between them. The term epistemological violence (EV) is introduced in order to identify interpretations that construct the `Other' as problematic or inferior, with implicit or explicit negative consequences for the `Other,' even when empirical results allow for meaningful, equally compelling, alternative interpretations. These interpretations of data are presented as `knowledge' when, in fact, harm is inflicted through them. Examples of EV in the context of `race' are briefly discussed. The concept of EV also demonstrates that the traditional separation of `is' and `ought' is problematic. Reflections on epistemological-ethical issues are provided.