In a letter to the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), renowned US feminist, and philosopher of science Prof. Dr. Helen Longino expressed her support for the political principles formulated by Abdullah Öcalan in his ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ on February 27.
Longino said she was deeply impressed by Öcalan’s clear rejection of armed struggle and his emphasis on a peaceful and pluralistic solution: “Öcalan’s call to lay down arms and realize the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people and all people in Turkey by peaceful means really moved me.”
She expressly welcomed the DEM Party’s political commitment to a democratic new beginning: “I appreciate the DEM Party’s determination to work for a peaceful, pluralistic, and democratic community in Turkey. I wish you every success in your struggle.”
The US philosopher’s reaction is seen as an expression of international solidarity with the Kurdish movement and democratic dialogue in Turkey – especially against the backdrop of Öcalan’s ongoing isolation and the repressive political atmosphere in the country.
Who is Helen Longino?
Helen Longino is a professor of philosophy at the renowned Stanford University and is considered one of the most influential voices in feminist philosophy of science. Her research focuses on the social dimensions of scientific knowledge, the importance of collective reflection, and the connection between values, knowledge, and power.
In her work, Longino repeatedly emphasizes that “feminism needs science—and science needs feminism.” Her works, including The Science as Social Knowledge and Studying Human Behavior, are considered milestones in socially critical epistemology.
Longino is a member of several scientific academies and has received numerous awards for her life’s work.