PHI 3340 - Philosophy of Race

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): One upper-division course in the humanities or social sciences, or one philosophy course; or permission of instructor

Description: Race and racism are global phenomena that not only explain a way in which people are categorized, but the way both individuals and institutions regard one another. Most of us assume that we are members of some race (perhaps multiple races) and that sometimes that may partially determine how we are treated. This course examines philosophical writings that concern race and surveys some of the central philosophical issues regarding race and racism. Our discussions consider not only the ethical and political, but also the metaphysical and epistemological implications of ethnic and racial designations. Because of the significant variability of these issues across different parts of the globe, the readings focus on racialized groups in the United States, including both historical and contemporary authors.