Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Arts and Humanities Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Philosophy

Loyola University Chicago

Theses/Dissertations

Critical Theory

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities

A Social Ontological Account Of Alienation And Its Place In The History Of Alienation Theory, Philip William Bauchan Jan 2023

A Social Ontological Account Of Alienation And Its Place In The History Of Alienation Theory, Philip William Bauchan

Dissertations

Alienation is a sociological term that has found itself severely out of favor as an analytical concept due to what are perceived as inextricable theoretical shortcomings despite having once enjoyed a time when it was taken to be essential for a robust and critical analysis of society. This dissertation looks to contribute to a revitalization of alienation theory by offering an understanding of alienation that is grounded in the framework of social ontology as forwarded in the works of John Searle. This social ontological account conceives of alienation as a fallout fact that arises when there is a performative contradiction …


Knowledge And Political Interest: Politico-Epistemic Injustice In The United States Under Capitalist Democracy, Philipa Friedman Jan 2022

Knowledge And Political Interest: Politico-Epistemic Injustice In The United States Under Capitalist Democracy, Philipa Friedman

Dissertations

This dissertation examines the relationship between knowledge and politics in the United States under capitalist democracy. Incorporating political theory, epistemology (the study of knowledge), political science, and economics, it examines ways in which the economic inequality endemic to the United States privileges political knowledge contributions to policy debates by wealthy individuals and depresses knowledge contributions by middle- and lower-income communities. This occurs during public debate, in voting, at the level of mass media, and during official legislative debate. Economically marginalized people are less likely to see their needs and interests reflected in policy debates and in policies themselves because our …