A discussion on epistemic injustice

The purpose of this study is to maintain a political discussion on "epistemic injustice (EI)", a concept used by Miranda Fricker and emplaced in social epistemology in relation to feminist epistemology and virtue epistemology. There has already been some links established with different concepts (such as epistemic ignorance) and theoretical bases (communicative action theory, public sphere theory, ciritical race theory etc.). Relying on the criticism that EI should be supported by a theory, it is aimed to be made clear on what kind of bases the proper theoretical framework or frameworks is/should be placed. For this purpose, since it precedes theory and manifests implications addressing limitations of the theory, main areas of discussion in ontology are appealed. EI is examined in an attention to Fricker's overall works; then, it is reached that EI borns in a system of thought that plurality is appreciated without abandoning the "reason". Underlying the idea that EI should be supported not only by critical theory but by pragmatism as well, a critical-pragmatist approach is stated in need. Mentioning various syntheses in an effort to bring critical theory and pragmatism together, a Habermasian way is preffered among discussions where Dewey and Habermas are apperant. Since the perspective followed in this study is feminist, Benhabib's arguments in critical readings of Habermas found out as the most supporting ones for EI for being open to plurality while putting reason to its center. Also, interdisciplinarity is accentuated because of the fact that synergy of critical theory and pragmatism results in an inevitable necessity for it. Given that main purpose of this study is to maintain a political discussion, cooperation of political theory and epistemology clearly manifests itself as an interdisciplinary position. For both being in harmony with Habbermasian way and opening power practices to debate, feminist and social epistemology are handled pragmatically. By doing all these, a critical-pragmatist approach, a feminist perspective and an interdisciplinary position are prepared to serve for EI. Moving from the triangle of approach-perspective-position, core discussion points in political ontology (critical and pragmatic), social ontology (critical and pragmatic) and feminist ontology (feminist perspective) are specified as dichotomies, power relations, individual-structure relations, gender and body, situation of social sciences. Each dimensions are taken into consideration with reference to Fricker and Benhabib's arguments comparatively in order to see at which points they support each other with their similarities and at which points they complete each other with their differences. Finally it is asserted the reason for Benhabib's availability to broaden the scope of Fricker's arguments is her abductive way of thinking. At the same time, regarding the possible thinkers and syntheses for bringing critical theory and pragmatism together, it is suggested that Miranda Fricker and Seyla Benhabib cooperation can be added to this list as an option.