Epistemology of Groups

Groups are responsible for their actions, but are they agents in their own right? Jennifer Lackey argues that neither deflationary nor inflationary theories of groups provide a satisfactory understanding of group phenomena. She shows how group phenomena depend on what individual group members do or are capable of doing while being subject to group-level normative requirements. This framework allows for the correct distribution of responsibility across groups and their individual members.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Groups are frequently held accountable for their actions, many of which have profound moral, legal, and social implications. When children were separated from their parents or guardians at the U.S.-Mexico border as part of America's immigration policy, for instance, the Trump Administration was widely criticized for the harm these families suffered. However, the question arises: Are groups subject to normative assessment solely because of the actions of their individual members, or do they possess agency of their own? Answering this question requires a deep understanding of key concepts in the epistemology of groups.

Deflationary theorists argue that group phenomena can be fully understood in terms of individual members and their states. They maintain that groups are merely aggregates of individuals and that group phenomena are not fundamentally different from or over and above individual members and their states. On the other hand, inflationary theorists hold that group phenomena are importantly distinct from individual members and their states. They argue that groups have their own properties and dynamics that cannot be reduced to the actions or states of their individual members.

In her book "The Epistemology of Groups," Jennifer Lackey challenges both deflationary and inflationary approaches. She argues that groups are more than their members, but not because they possess minds of their own. Instead, Lackey demonstrates how group phenomena, such as belief, justification, and knowledge, depend on the actions or capabilities of individual group members while being subject to group-level normative requirements. This framework allows for the correct distribution of responsibility across groups and their individual members.

Lackey's approach emphasizes the interdependence of groups and their members. She argues that groups are not merely collections of individuals but are dynamic entities that emerge from the interactions and relationships between their members. Groups have their own norms, values, and goals, which can influence the actions and beliefs of their members. At the same time, individual members of a group are not fully autonomous or independent of the group. They are subject to the group's norms and expectations, and their actions can have consequences for the group as a whole.

One of the key insights of Lackey's framework is that group phenomena are not solely determined by the actions of individual members. Rather, they are also shaped by the group's structure, norms, and processes. For example, a group may have a shared belief system that influences the way it interprets and responds to external events. The group's structure, such as its leadership and decision-making processes, can also shape its behavior and decisions.

Lackey's approach also recognizes the importance of group-level normative requirements. Groups are not just collections of individuals but are also subject to external norms and expectations, such as legal and ethical standards. These norms can guide the actions of groups and their members and can have significant consequences for the group as a whole. For example, a company may be subject to legal and ethical requirements to ensure that its products are safe and that it treats its employees fairly.

In conclusion, groups are not merely aggregates of individuals but are dynamic entities that possess their own properties and dynamics. The epistemology of groups requires a nuanced understanding of the interdependence of groups and their members, as well as the role of group-level normative requirements. Lackey's framework provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of groups and their significance in our social and political world. By recognizing the agency of groups and their ability to shape their own behavior and decisions, we can better distribute responsibility and work towards creating more just and equitable societies.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 143 x 222 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199656608