On the relevance of standpoint epistemology to the practice of journalism: The case for "strong objectivity"

Abstract

This paper interrogates traditional notions of journalistic "objectivity" and its interpretation in conventional news reporting. I argue here that the underlying principles of objectivity devolve in practice to an epistemic relativism that fails to consider the validity of various truth claims. I propose an alternative of "strong objectivity" grounded in standpoint theory. I trace the arguments against scientific objectivity that parallel critiques of journalistic objectivity, then propose an alternative conception of praxis that maximizes reflexivity and has the potential to fulfill the liberatory goals of journalism.