Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter surveys the structure and the main results of the book, which, overall, develops a comprehensive hinge-epistemological framework to address foundational and applied issues in epistemology. Part I systematizes the roles of hinges, distinguishing between de jure and de facto, general and local, and empirical and non-empirical hinges, while analyzing hinge disagreements, including moral and religious cases, and their relevance to genealogical challenges. Part II applies hinge epistemology to testimony, proposing a moderate account of testimonial justification that mediates between reductionist and anti-reductionist views, while highlighting the constitutive role of hinge trust, including in human–AI interactions. Part III examines non-empirical de facto hinges, critiques their identification with identity prejudices, and revises the notion of hermeneutical injustice, applying it to conceptual amelioration of the concept “woman.” Part IV explores hinge-like roles of delusions and conspiracy theories, showing how they are cognitively structured around irrational hinges yet remain intelligible, while distinguishing them to avoid epistemic relativism. Collectively, the work demonstrates the explanatory power of hinge epistemology across social, moral, and applied contexts.</jats:p>