Philosophy, Race, and Racism (224-0-20)

Instructors

Corey Barnes

Meeting Info

Lutkin Hall: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course provides a broad overview of philosophical discussions about race and racism. In the course, we will engage theoretical questions such as: What do we mean when we say "race"?; Is there a concept of race that undergirds users' many different conceptions of race?; Do races exist, and what are races if they do exist?; What is implicit bias?; and What is racism? We will also engage practical questions such as: What is the relationship between race and health?; Do we have good reasons to prescribe medications in accordance with race?; Is it moral to believe that humans are divided into races?; What ought we to do with race and race-talk given overriding moral concerns?; Are implicit racial biases morally condemnable?; How does race and racial perceptions impact law?; and Is racism permanent?

Learning Objectives

Mastery of the conceptual tools needed to recognize and understand prescriptive issues, questions, and claims, and to distinguish them from descriptive issues, questions, and claims.
Ability to identify the presuppositions and values in a perspective or framework.
Ability to recognize the multifaceted aspects of ethical issues and consider alternative resolutions and reasons and against them.
Ability to appreciate the insights available in multiple intellectual or cultural traditions.
Ability to reflect upon one's own answers to evaluative questions, their presuppositions, and the reasons for and against them.
Ability to engage in respectful, rigorous and constructive dialogue concerning evaluative issues and communicate thoughtfully and clearly about them.

Class Materials (Suggested)

Class materials must be purchased.

Paul C. Taylor, Race: A Philosophical Introduction, 3rd edition, Polity, 2022.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Philosophy students.

Associated Classes

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Tues 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Library 4670: Tues 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - University Library 3622: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Library 3622: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 4-410: Tues 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Library 4722: Tues 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - University Library 3670: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Library 3670: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM