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

Author: Lia Richter

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Program Affiliation: Summer Scholars and Artists Program (SSAP)

Faculty Mentors: Sidney Dement

Easel: 70

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: 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.