Philosophy is a discipline that has been traditionally dominated by white European thinkers. However, throughout history, there have been Black philosophers who have made significant contributions to the field. Here are 7 Black philosophers that the world should know about.
7 Black Philosophers The World Should Know About
1. Frantz Fanon
Frantz Fanon was a psychiatrist, philosopher, and revolutionary who was born in Martinique in 1925. His works, such as “Black Skin, White Masks” and “The Wretched of the Earth,” explore the psychological and sociological effects of colonialism and racism on the human psyche. Fanon’s ideas have had a profound impact on postcolonial studies and critical race theory.
2. Cornel West
Cornel West is a philosopher, activist, and public intellectual who has made significant contributions to critical race theory and African-American philosophy. His works, such as “Race Matters” and “Democracy Matters,” explore themes of justice, democracy, and the role of religion in society. West is also known for his engaging and dynamic public speaking style.
3. Angela Davis
Angela Davis is a philosopher, activist, and feminist who has made significant contributions to critical race theory, Marxism, and feminist philosophy. Her works, such as “Women, Race, and Class” and “Are Prisons Obsolete?” explore themes of social justice, gender, and racism. Davis is also known for her political activism, particularly in the areas of prison abolition and racial justice.
4. Kwame Anthony Appiah
Kwame Anthony Appiah is a philosopher and cultural theorist who has made significant contributions to the field of moral philosophy. His works, such as “The Ethics of Identity” and “Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers,” explore themes of identity, multiculturalism, and global ethics. Appiah is also known for his engaging and accessible writing style.
5. Patricia Hill Collins
Patricia Hill Collins is a philosopher and feminist theorist who has made significant contributions to the field of critical race theory and Black feminist theory. Her works, such as “Black Feminist Thought” and “Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory,” explore themes of intersectionality, power, and oppression. Collins is also known for her commitment to social justice and activism.
6. Achille Mbembe
Achille Mbembe is a philosopher and political theorist who has made significant contributions to the field of postcolonial studies. His works, such as “On the Postcolony” and “Necropolitics,” explore themes of power, violence, and colonialism. Mbembe is also known for his engaging and thought-provoking writing style.
7. Lewis R. Gordon
Lewis R. Gordon is a philosopher and cultural theorist who has made significant contributions to the field of Africana philosophy. His works, such as “Existentia Africana” and “What Fanon Said,” explore themes of race, identity, and existentialism. Gordon is also known for his interdisciplinary approach to philosophy, drawing on fields such as literature, music, and film.
In conclusion, these 7 Black philosophers have made significant contributions to the field of philosophy and have helped to shape our understanding of the world around us. Their works explore themes of identity, power, oppression, and justice, and have had a profound impact on fields such as critical race theory, postcolonial studies, and Africana philosophy. It is important that we continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black philosophers, as they provide a valuable perspective on the human experience.
