Reclamation and the Epistemic Objectionability of Slurs

Abstract

In reclamation, slurs are used in a positive way instead of the conventional derogatory way. This article discusses the idea that the meaning of slurs is not only morally but also epistemically objectionable and applies the idea to reclamation. The central claim of the proposed epistemic view is that reclamation can be seen as a way to challenge slurs as vehicles of harmful stereotypes. At the same time, the view explicates how reclamation is related to the notion of group self-definition.