PHIL335
Seminar: Metaphysics of Race

In this course, we will consider what race is, really. What do we mean when we say that race is socially constructed? Is race real? What role does culture play in the construction and maintenance of race? What is the use of racial categorization in policy? To answer these and other questions, we will consider various positions in the metaphysics of race including political and cultural constructionism, anti-realism, biological realism, and eliminativism about race. Authors we will read include Karen E. Fields & Barbara J. Fields, Michael Omi & Howard Winant, Quayshawn Spencer, Anthony Appiah, and Chike Jeffers.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 16

Prerequisites: One course in philosophy.

Distribution Requirements: REP - Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: Subfield C