How much truth is in stereotypes?
How much truth is in stereotypes?
Author(s): Szymon CzarnikSubject(s): Philosophy, Social Sciences, Psychology, Epistemology, Social Philosophy, Sociology, Social psychology and group interaction
Published by: Copernicus Center Press
Keywords: stereotypes;stereotype accuracy;epistemology;probabilistic approach
Summary/Abstract: Stereotype accuracy is a contentious topic. Part of the problem is that typically stereotypes are generic statements whose truth status is unclear due to the fact that they are ill-defined quantitatively. The article focuses on the epistemic aspect of stereotypical beliefs. In the ongoing debate, I side with those who argue against stereotypes being wrong or inaccurate by virtue of definition alone. I propose that, when possible, stereotype accuracy should be assessed in probabilistic terms by inspecting how likely a generic statement is to be true when applied to individual(s) representative of the relevant group(s). This approach applies equally well to investigating the actual and the perceived accuracy of stereotypes.
Journal: Zagadnienia Filozoficzne w Nauce
- Issue Year: 2020
- Issue No: 68
- Page Range: 243-279
- Page Count: 37
- Language: English