Communities of Practice and Epistemic Fraternities: Reimagining Democratic Knowledge in Times of Crisis

Abstract

This article examines the potential of communities of practice as a complement to traditional academia for generating democratic knowledge. Focusing on historical experiences such as the Jakin group and the “university of the poor” in Arantzazu (Gipuzkoa, Basque Country), as well as the North American transcendentalist movement, it argues that these communities enable equitable and collaborative participation among agents with diverse backgrounds. It posits that integrating academic and experiential knowledge is essential for addressing contemporary crises through an inclusive epistemology. In this context, the article provides empirical evidence for the concept of “epistemic fraternities” as a tool for resistance and transformation, allowing marginalized groups to overcome interpretative barriers and democratize the production and dissemination of knowledge, demonstrating their capacity to foster collective learning and drive democratic innovation.