Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In this ground-breaking book, Stephen C. Ferguson addresses a seminal question that is too-often ignored: What should be the philosophical basis for African American studies? The volume explores philosophical issues and problems in their relationship to Black studies. Ferguson shows that philosophy is not a sterile intellectual pursuit, but a critical tool to gathering knowledge about the Black experience.
Cultural idealism in various forms has become enormously influential as a framework for Black studies. Ferguson takes on the task of demonstrating how a Marxist philosophical perspective offers a productive and fruitful way of overcoming the limitations of idealism. Focusing on the hugely popular Afrocentric school of thought, this book's engaging discussion shows that the foundational arguments of cultural idealism are based on a series of analytical
and historical misapprehensions. In turn, Ferguson argues for the centrality of the Black working class--both men and women--to Black Studies.
Synopsis
What should be the philosophical basis for African American Studies? In this groundbreaking book, Stephen C. Ferguson addresses a seminal question often ignored. Philosophy and African American Studies explores philosophical issues and problems in their relationship to Black Studies. He shows that philosophy is not a sterile intellectual pursuit, but a critical tool in gaining knowledge about the Black experience.Cultural idealism in various forms has become enormously influential as a framework for Black Studies. Ferguson takes on the task of demonstrating how a Marxist philosophical perspective offers a productive and fruitful way of overcoming the limitations of idealism. Focusing on the hugely popular Afrocentric school of thought, Ferguson's engaging discussion shows that the foundational arguments of cultural idealism are based on a series of analytical and historical misapprehensions. In turn, he argues for the centrality of the Black working class - both men and women - to Black Studies.
Synopsis
- Discusses philosophical issues in epistemology, philosophy of history, feminist thought and political economy in relation to African American Studies.
- Asserts the centrality of the Black working class to Black Studies.
- Engages with foundational arguments.