The Epistemic Responsibility of 1930s Eugenicists: What the Trial of Ann Cooper Hewitt Shows about Modern Disinformation Discourse

Authors

Lia Richter, Binghamton University--SUNY

Publication Date

2025

Document Type

Book

Description

In this research, the author analyzes the 1936 eugenic sterilization trial surrounding Ann Cooper Hewitt, looking at the epistemic harms and wrong associated with the results and how those connect to modern day discourses of disinformation. It centers on the actions of two eugenicists involved, Ezra S. Gosney and Paul Popenoe. Richter argues that issues of epistemic responsibility in this eugenics case study reveal the ways in which this epistemic concept ties to disinformation and can further develop understandings of this emerging field.

Files

Recommended Citation

Richter, Lia, "The Epistemic Responsibility of 1930s Eugenicists: What the Trial of Ann Cooper Hewitt Shows about Modern Disinformation Discourse" (2025). Research Days Posters 2025. 153.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2025/153