“My idea of philosophy is that if it is not relevant to human problems, if it does not tell us how we can go about eradicating some of the misery in this world, then it is not worth the name of philosophy. I think that Socrates made a very profound statement when he asserted that the raison d'etre of philosophy is to teach us proper living. In this day and age "proper living" means liberation from the urgent problems of poverty, economic necessity and indoctrination, mental oppression.”
—Angela Davis, 1969 Lectures on Liberation
What is philosophy?
Philosophy can be a powerful source for personal and societal transformation. Philosophy has always been grounded in the question of how we want to live. In philosophy, we study concepts and the structure of thought that shape our world. We live inside concepts.
Why are concepts important?
Because they shape our world. Moreover, we often live within concepts that we are not even aware of, despite their overarching influence on our lives. One central goal, then, is to recognize and name the concepts that shape our world. After we name them, we can then ask the question of whether these concepts are serving us, or if we need to change or expand these concepts. One may also find that new concepts and ideas need to be created that guide and orient us and the way we live.
What is philosophy for liberation?
Philosophy for liberation invites us to recognize, name, and critically examine the concepts that undergird our understanding of ourselves, the world, and our relation to each other. It specifically centers thinkers of color to help us understand the concepts that shape our world.
What if I’ve never read or practiced philosophy?
Don’t worry. Anyone can be a philosopher. You do not need a PhD and be working in academia to think philosophically. To be a philosopher, one must practice the art of critical examination and questioning ideas. Doing this in community deepens this practice, and philosophy for liberation provides a space for this to occur.
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