Modeling and Theorizing in Psychology: Autoepistemology and Epistemic EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) as Tools for Challenging Racism

Abstract

After challenging models of human nature and psychological science, a series of interrogations are proposed that aid in improving the practice of theorizing in psychology, specifically in regard to the topic of race. The program of autoepistemology is defined as the study of how “my” knowledge is connected with histories, cultures and societies as well as with the academic communities in which “I” participate, and with “my” personal cognitive, affective and motivational preferences and experiences. Autoepistemology includes reflections about the relationship between psychological knowledge on race, on the one hand, and intellectual and cultural traditions, horizons, and practices, on the other hand. It is argued that theorizing on race is strengthened when addressing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as epistemic categories in all contexts of the research process. Epistemic EDI, which includes an interrogation of power, together with institutional and educational EDI, has the potential to dismantle racism in psychology. An approach to theorizing about human groups that avoids the pitfalls of White epistemologies is proposed.