Philosophy of Race (2^nd Ed., 2nd ed. 2023) An Introduction Palgrave Philosophy Today Series

Philosophy of Race: An Introduction provides plainly written access to a new subfield that has been in the background of philosophy since Plato and Aristotle. The second edition is updated to include contemporary developments such as digital racisms, metaphysical othering and metaphysical racism, and the rise of populist movements. Its focus has also been expanded to address non-white racial groups in the Americas, Europe, and beyond, such as the Roma and Uighur people. Part I provides an overview of ideas of race and ethnicity in the philosophical canon, egalitarian traditions, race in biology, and race in American and Continental Philosophy. Part II addresses race as it operates in life through colonialism and development, social constructions and institutions, racism, political philosophy, gender, and populist movements. This book constructs an outline that will serve as a resource for students, nonspecialists, and general readers in thinking, talking, and writing about philosophy of race.   

Part I Ideas and Realities of Human Race.

1 Ideas of Race in the Canonical History of Philosophy.

2 Egalitarian Spiritual and Legal Traditions.

3 Race According to Biological Science.

4 Ideas of Race in Twentieth-Century American and Continental Philosophy.

5 Ethnicity and Related Forms of Race.

6 Social Construction and Racial Identities.

Part II Relations, Practices, and Theories of Race in Society.

7 Racism and Neo-racisms.

8 Metaphysical Racism, Crimes against Humanity, and Reparations.

9 Race in Contemporary Life.

10 Political Philosophy, Law, and Public Policy.

11 Feminism, Gender, and Race.

12 Political Racism and Populist Movements.

Naomi Zack is Professor of Philosophy at CUNY Lehman College (USA). She has taught at the University of Oregon and the University at Albany, SUNY. Her most recent books are The American Tragedy of COVID-19 (2021) and Progressive Anonymity: From Identity Politics to Evidence-Based Government (2020). Other recent books include Reviving the Social Compact: Inclusive Citizenship in an Age of Extreme Politics (2018) and her edited 51-essay Oxford Handbook on Philosophy and Race (2017).

Constructs an overview for students thinking, talking, and writing about philosophy of race

Updated to address contemporary issues such as digital racisms and populist movements

Expanded to cover race and racism in non-US contexts, including Europe and China