[研究論文(原著論文)] スタンドポイント理論における方法論的要請の位置付け --「周縁化された立場から探究を開始する」ことの意義について--

Research in the humanities and social sciences that aims to improve unjust situations such as sexism and racism in research environments often advocates “prioritizing the experiences of marginalized positions” as its methodological guideline, with Feminist Standpoint Theory (FSP) cited as its theoretical foundation. However, while this methodological requirement is considered a central claim in FSP discussions, its significance within the theory has not been clearly articulated. This paper examines how this methodological requirement is positioned in relation to the various theses of FSP. This paper first organizes recent debates surrounding FSP, confirming that these debates primarily focus on the epistemic justification of what is called the “inversion thesis.” It then points out that recent FSP has accepted the inversion thesis claim in connection with empiricism in an excessively weakened manner. As the author's argument, I discuss the problems inherent in the recent trend toward “minimalization” of the inversion thesis. Specifically, the “methodological imperative” of “beginning inquiry from marginalized positions,” which can be considered the core of FSP, finds its positioning left in suspension under the minimalization of the inversion thesis. I argue that the minimalization of the inversion thesis significantly weakens the methodological imperative or may even conflict with it, and demonstrate the epistemic harms that arise as a result. Finally, as a way to resolve these problems, I propose the necessity of distinguishing between the concept of epistemic privilege and the concept of epistemic advantage. This is an attempt to understand epistemic privilege as “the starting point of inquiry as awareness of oppression.” I then show that the methodological imperative is not merely a consequence of the inversion thesis, but rather that critical analysis based on the former provides the grounds for making the latter a persuasive claim within existing oppressive value frameworks. What becomes important in this context is the aspect of the methodological imperative as “empowerment” for epistemic subjects.