Situated Voices: Black Women in/on the Profession of Philosophy

Author(s)Anita L. Allen; Anika Maaza Mann; Donna-Dale L. Marcano; Michele Moody-Adams; Jacqueline Scott; George Yancy
JournalHypatia
Thematic Cluster/Special IssueSymposium on Black Women Philosophers
AbstractThis paper explores the experiences of Black women philosophers in the context of a racist and sexist philosophical profession that attempts to define them in essentialist terms. It argues that doing philosophy is a situated, embodied activity shaped by social forces, contrary to ideals of detached objectivity. Black women philosophers face unique challenges of identity and belonging. Their intellectual contributions are often overlooked, yet their critical perspectives offer indispensable insights. The paper calls for greater engagement with the work of historical Black women philosophers like Joyce M. Cook, Angela Davis, and Adrian M.S. Piper. It also presents an interview with contemporary Black women philosophers, highlighting shared struggles around racism, sexism, and feelings of alienation. Key themes include the need for community, advice-seeking, and redefining philosophy on their own terms against canonical exclusions. Overall, the paper celebrates the voices of Black women philosophers and their indefatigability in thriving intellectually despite toxic professional spaces.
This content was generated by artificial intelligence using the text of the original work.
KeywordsBlack feminist philosophy, embodied knowledge, identity, racism, sexism, situated philosophy
This content was generated by artificial intelligence using the text of the original work.
Date Published2008
Volume23
Issue2
Pages160-189
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/j.1527-2001.2008.tb01192.x
URLhttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/hypatia/article/abs/situated-voices-black-women-inon-the-profession-of-philosophy/E4FFB628002B3F6E327260E0363909D7
Google Scholar Link https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cluster=5798523689635987009&hl=en&as_sdt=0,
Open Access?No

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