This course explores the nature and politics of race and racism. We will typically consider questions such as, Is there such a thing as ‘race’? What does it mean to say race is ‘biological’? What does it mean to say that race is a ‘social construct’? What is the difference between racial categories and ethnic categories, like ‘Latino’? and What do we owe victims of race-based injustice? We will engage with the work of well-known contemporary philosophers of race and important figures from the history of the philosophy of race, such as W.E.B. DuBois, Alain Locke, José Martí, José Vasconcelos, and V.F. Cordova. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Social Inequality requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: AIM requirement. Meets the Equity and Power: EPG requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: AIM, Critical Perspectives: S, Equity and Power: EPG

1 unit

Previously Featured Offering

Philosophy & Race

Nov. 2014
Instructor: Alberto Hernandez-Lemus

Philosophy & Race examines the idea of race being a social construct and its outcomes. The course examines the works of philosophical thinkers, such as Frederick Douglass, José Vasconcelos, and Emmanuel Levinas, among many others to further explore this concept.

Race is a social construct that invites a number of philosophical questions, such as those of identity, inter-subjectivity, justice, rationality, and culturally different ways of knowing. The course will examine, among others, philosophical reflections on race by the following thinkers: Douglass, West, Fanon, Vasconcelos, Appiah, Bernsaconi, Outlaw, Levinas, Mendieta.

Offerings