PHIL 390S: Topics in Philosophy

Course Description

Topic Title: Philosophy of Race- The concept of “race” remains controversial. The controversy concerns two broad issues: first, whether “race” is a legitimate way to demarcate human groups, as opposed to, say ethnicity, or simply seeing all persons as individuals; and, second, whether the continued use of the category of race exacerbates racism. Contemporary philosophers have been making important contributions to these issues, addressing such questions as: what is the true meaning of the concept of “race”? Is the concept of race a mere myth or fiction? Does the use of racial categories exacerbate racism? What race is a mixed race person? What is the race of Latinos or Arabs? How can racism best be reduced and resisted? This course will explore recent philosophical work on the concept of race and the political effects of racial identities. Students will gain an understanding of how philosophers analyze and use concepts, especially as they apply to the politics of race in the U.S. Students will also gain a better understanding of the underlining causes of the rash of police lynching that has galvanized the Black Lives Matter Movement.