An Introduction to Implicit Bias

Written by a diverse range of scholars, this accessible introductory volume asks: What is implicit bias? How does implicit bias compromise our knowledge of others and social reality? How does implicit bias affect us, as individuals and participants in larger social and political institutions, and what can we do to combat biases? An interdisciplinary enterprise, the volume brings together the philosophical perspective of the humanities with the perspective of the social sciences to develop rich lines of inquiry. Its twelve chapters are written in a non-technical style, using relatable examples that help readers understand what implicit bias is, its significance, and the controversies surrounding it. Each chapter includes discussion questions and additional annotated reading suggestions, and a companion webpage contains teaching resources. The volume is an invaluable resource for students-and researchers-seeking to understand criticisms surrounding implicit bias, as well as how one might answer them by adopting a more nuanced understanding of bias and its role in maintaining social injustice.

Erin Beeghly is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah. She has received fellowships from the National Humanities Center, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the American Council for Learned Societies. Alex Madva is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of the California Center for Ethics and Policy at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He has run numerous workshops and training sessions on implicit bias, stereotype threat, and impostor syndrome for schools, courts, and wider audiences.

Introducing Implicit Bias: Why This Book Matters Erin Beeghly and Alex Madva 1. The Psychology of Bias: From Data to Theory Gabbrielle Johnson 2. The Embodied Biased Mind Céline Leboeuf 3. Skepticism About Bias Michael Brownstein 4. Bias and Knowledge: Two Metaphors Erin Beeghly 5. Bias and Perception Susanna Siegel 6. Epistemic Injustice and Implicit Bias Katherine Puddifoot and Jules Holroyd 7. Stereotype Threat, Identity, and the Disruption of Habit Nathifa Greene 8. Moral Responsibility for Implicit Biases: Examining Our Options Noel Dominguez 9. Epistemic Responsibility and Implicit Bias Nancy Arden McHugh and Lacey J. Davidson 10. The Specter of Normative Conflict: Does Fairness Require Inaccuracy? Rima Basu 11. Explaining Injustice: Structural Analysis, Bias, and Individuals Saray Ayala-López and Erin Beeghly 12. Individual and Structural Interventions Alex Madva