Is Bias a Philosophical Problem?

Nancy Shaffer
University of Nebraska-Omaha

Most analyses of bias in the philosophical literature characterize it as a systematic deviation from vague reasoning ideals and assume only one particular set of ends for reasoning. They cannot therefore serve as adequate prescriptive criteria for identifying objectionable forms of bias in practice. In this paper, I argue that what is objectionable in bias is decided by the specific goals and constraints of the context. More useful prescriptive norms of pernicious bias must therefore involve a broad examination of the goals of the communities involved and the consequences of their reasoning and practices on the goals of other communities.