Epistemic injustice and education in the digital age

Abstract

The aim of this article is to function as a starting point for combining the study of epistemic injustice in a higher education framework with that of digitalization, including recent developments such as the entrance of AI in higher education. What is identified as the main problem is the power of digital technology and how technologies shape institutional practices of teaching and learning, often in opposition to democratic education aims. The introduction of AI in higher education deepens the mediatization process of higher education, demonstrated by a mainstream oriented usage of AI. In higher education, digital technology shapes practices that are indifferent to the epistemic claims and rights of students, and quite perfectly attuned to the ‘practical needs’ of digital technology which severely challenges the concept of knowing and also critical thinking in higher education.

Keywords

• epistemic injustice
• digitalization
• technology
• higher education
• mediatization