Philosophy of Race and Racism

Race and racism are salient features of modern life. This course introduces contemporary theories of race. We explore the question of what race is the metaphysics of race. We ask whether race is a pernicious category that creates subject populations. We consider the question of what racism is? We interrogate the proposition that racism creates race, and that race is neither a biological, scientific or conceptual heuristic category unless it is understood as the result of racism and racist practices. Lastly, we will consider the prospect and plausibility of eliminating race as a salient feature of modern society.