PHIL 303 Philosophy in African American Thought

3 Credits

The experience of African Americans in the history of the United States has been distinctive in important ways. That experience has stimulated writings and speeches that are eloquent as well as deeply morally and intellectually engaging. In this course we will be reading a sample of such writings and speeches, with a special emphasis on writings and speeches stimulated by the struggle of African Americans during the last two hundred years to achieve social and political equality within the United States. We will be reading these works with an eye towards understanding and engaging with philosophical ideas - especially ideas related to social and political philosophy, and ethics - found in them. Along the way we will be reading and learning about the history that was the context for these works. We will also be engaging with the work of some contemporary African American thinkers. A relevant consideration throughout the course will be what light our studies might throw on contemporary African American experience. In keeping with the fact that this course is a Neumann University Core philosophy course, in conjunction with our studies we will have occasion to reflect on the compatibility of faith and reason with specific reference to the Catholic Franciscan intellectual and spiritual tradition.

Prerequisite(s): PHIL 102 and THEO 104 and completed 55 credits.

2nd level Philosophy Core Course