Keyword: epistemically transformative experience
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McKinnon, Rachel. Trans*formative Experience
2015, McKinnon, Rachel (2015). Trans*formative Experiences. Res Philosophica 92 (2):419-440.
Topics: Gender Sex and Sexuality; Normative Ethics; Standpoint Epistemology Keywords: decision theory; epistemically transformative experience; transformative experience; transitioning
Traditions: North American Languages:
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Added by: Petronella Randell

Abstract: What happens when we consider transformative experiences from the perspective of gender transitions? In this paper I suggest that at least two insights emerge. First, trans* persons’ experiences of gender transitions show some limitations to L. A. Paul’s (2015) decision theoretic account of transformative decisions. This will involve exploring some of the phenomenology of coming to know that one is trans, and in coming to decide to transition. Second, what epistemological effects are there to undergoing a transformative experience? By connecting some experiences of gender transitions to feminist standpoint epistemology, I argue that radical changes in one’s identity and social location also radically affects one’s access to knowledge in ways not widely appreciated in contemporary epistemology.

Comment: This paper would work well as an additional reading on a week about transformative experience, particularly on a module which includes feminist philosophy. The paper argues that the choice to transition can be made rationally, despite this decision being a transformative decision.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Recommended use: Further
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Paul, L. A.. What You Can’t Expect When You’re Expecting
2015, Res Philosophica 92 (2):1-23 (2015)
Topics: Formal Epistemology; Mental States and Processes; Theoretical Epistemology
Keywords: decision theory; epistemically transformative experience; transformative experience
Traditions: Analytic; Formal; North American
Languages: English

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Added by: Andrea Blomqvist
Abstract: It seems natural to choose whether to have a child by reflecting on what it would be like to actually have a child. I argue that this natural approach fails. If you choose to become a parent, and your choice is based on projections about what you think it would be like for you to have a child, your choice is not rational. If you choose to remain childless, and your choice is based upon projections about what you think it would be like for you to have a child, your choice is not rational. This suggests we should reject our ordinary conception of how to make this life-changing decision, and raises general questions about how to rationally approach important life choices.
Comment: Good to use as a shorter introductory reading to L.A. Paul's work and how to make decisions about life choices. It could be used in a module on decision making, or imagination.
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended use: Introductory

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