the social turn in epistemology

The social turn in epistemology is a shift in philosophy that emphasizes the role of social factors—such as community, culture, and shared practices—in shaping what we know and how we justify our beliefs. Instead of viewing knowledge as purely individual, it recognizes that our understanding is influenced by collective efforts, social trust, and communication within groups. This perspective highlights that knowledge is often a product of social processes, making our beliefs interconnected with the social environments and institutions around us.