Abstract

This dissertation examines how and why movement---both to different physical locations and to different conceptual places/"worlds"---is valuable in acquiring knowledge, specifically knowledge of socially, ethically and politically important concepts of oppression. Epistemological work in standpoint theory provides an entry point for discussions of the role of subject position. However, the emphasis in these theories on identity tends to overplay the importance of who one is, and downplay the essential role of what one does, in particular, how one travels to other social worlds and the interactions one has once there. An examination of the relational aspects of knowledge in general, and knowledge of social existence in particular, is used to argue for the importance of movement and multiple perspectives. A closer look at the concept of a "world"---as drawn from the work of Maria Lugones---provides a more detailed account of a "world," and the role in it of physical location, or place. This discussion is used to support the importance of literal movement and engaged interaction with people in other "worlds." Central to this idea, as well as to the larger work, is the value of knowing people. Improving one's knowledge of oppression involves more than knowledge of facts or propositional statements; it involves a more comprehensive sense of understanding the lives of other people. Given this importance of knowing others, two potential tools of "world"-travel are examined, testimonial knowledge and imagination. In order to more completely know about other people one must acquire knowledge presented by those others in the form of testimony. Often, the only way to know certain things is to know through someone else. I discuss approaches to hearing the testimonial knowledge of others, and issues of trust and trustworthiness that come into play between people who live with different degrees of privilege and oppression. Finally I draw on writings in ethical theory to bring out some of the critical issues involved in imagining another's life and experiences. A crucial piece in understanding oppression is putting oneself in another's shoes, attempting to imagine, emotionally and cognitively, what another's existence is like