| Author(s) | Eric Schwitzgebel |
| Abstract | This article examines the lack of diversity in academic philosophy, presenting statistics showing underrepresentation of women, racial minorities, people with disabilities, and non-Western traditions. It reports women earn 26-32% of philosophy degrees, with flat trends suggesting no imminent change absent intervention. While racial diversity has increased among Hispanic and Asian students, Black students remain sharply underrepresented, constituting just 3-5% of philosophy degree recipients. The author argues natural sorting cannot explain philosophy’s homogeneity, as philosophical inquiry holds universal appeal across cultures and should welcome diverse perspectives. Rather, philosophy depends on novelty and should be among the most diverse disciplines. The unrepresentative demographics signify an unhealthy, inhospitable discipline failing to reward fresh views. The author contends active efforts are needed to make philosophy more inclusive. This content was generated by artificial intelligence using the text of the original work. |
| Website Name | Blog of the APA |
| Date Published | June 11, 2020 |
| Keywords | Underrepresentation, Women, Racial minorities, People with disabilities, Non-Western traditions, Flat trends, Diverse perspectives, Unhealthy discipline, Inhospitable, Inclusive philosophy This content was generated by artificial intelligence using the text of the original work. |
| URL | https://blog.apaonline.org/2020/06/11/diversity-in-philosophy-departments-introduction/ |
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