Bystander Omissions and Accountability for Testimonial Injustice

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Abstract

Literature on testimonial injustice and ways that perpetrators might combat it have flourished since Miranda Fricker’s ground-breaking work on testimonial injustice. Less attention has been given, however, to the role of bystanders. In this paper, I examine the accountability that bystanders may have for their omissions to redress testimonial injustice. I argue that bystander accountability applies in cases where it is opportune for bystanders to intervene, and if they are also sufficiently equipped and able to redress the testimonial injustice. Moreover, I recommend that we move beyond virtue responsibilism for ameliorative thinking about testimonial injustice.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Philosophical Studies
Volume29
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)519-536
Number of pages18
ISSN0967-2559
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Bystanders
  • omissions
  • moral responsibility
  • moral accountability
  • testimonial injustice
  • epistemic duties

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