Philosophy of Race
This course introduces students to contemporary discussions in the philosophy of race and racism, while surveying its implications on moral, social, political, and legal philosophy; the history of philosophy; and philosophy of science. Specifically, this course focuses on the metaphysics of race (e.g., What is race? Do races exist? And if so, in what sense?), the epistemology of racial identity (e.g., How should “we” define ourselves racially? What is the relationship between our race and ethnicity, class, gender, and citizenship?), the wrong making features of racism (e.g., How should we understand racial discrimination, domination, and oppression?), and issues in contemporary and distributive justice as they relate to race (e.g., What have been the results of racial inequality and what does justice require that we do about this?).
By the end of this course, students will be able to...
1. Demonstrate command of important philosophical terminology, themes, and arguments related to racial, epistemological, and socio-political injustice.
2. State and evaluate non-trivial theories and arguments related to the philosophy of race, such as racial eliminativism and constructivism.
3. Articulate the historical development of modern conceptions of race in Western philosophy and science (i.e., “natural philosophy”).
4. Identify the influence of historical thinkers, both overt and unconscious, in regard to our dominant conceptions of foundational ideas (e.g., person, human beauty, rationality, knowledge, science, history, human development, empathy, and social justice).
5. Evaluate how these historical and political influences have suppressed or denigrated marginalized communities.
Q: What does looking at race through a philosophical lens provide to the viewer that a historical or psychological one might not, with the understanding that a philosophical perspective intersects with other perspectives? Would, for instance, a philosophy of race class in an Africana studies department be different from an Africana studies class in a philosophy department? How?
A: “Philosophers analyze concepts/ideas, sociologists gather facts, and Africanists focus on history and literature. My fall race class was triple-listed along these lines and I want students to be aware of these different disciplinary approaches. This awareness is important so that students understand their own academic projects and goals. Despite multidisciplinary, the academy remains specialized and one needs to be oriented about the kind of specialist one is.” (Naomi Zack)