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Sexual Orientation, Ideology, and Philosophical Method

Research staff

When

21 Oct 20    
11:30 - 13:30

Where

Online

Here, I examine the epistemic relation between beliefs about the nature of sexual orientation (e.g., beliefs concerning whether orientation is dispositional) and beliefs about the taxonomy of orientation categories (e.g., beliefs concerning whether polyamorous is an orientation category). Current philosophical research gives epistemic priority to the former class of beliefs, such that beliefs about the taxonomy of orientation categories tend to be jettisoned or revised in cases of conflict with beliefs about the nature of sexual orientation. Yet, considering the influence of ideology on beliefs about socially significant phenomena, I argue for an epistemic reversal.

Matthew Andler, "Sexual Orientation, Ideology, and Philosophical Method", Journal of Social Ontology 5 (2): 205-227. 2020.