A Companion to African-American Philosophy - (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy) by Tommy L Lott & John P Pittman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This wide-ranging, multidisciplinary collection of newly commissioned articles brings together distinguished voices in the field of Africana philosophy and African-American social and political thought.

• Provides a comprehensive critical survey of African-American philosophical thought.
• Collects wide-ranging, multidisciplinary, newly commissioned articles in one authoritative volume.
• Serves as a benchmark work of reference for courses in philosophy, social and political thought, cultural studies, and African-American studies.

From the Back Cover

This wide-ranging, multidisciplinary collection of newly commissioned articles brings together distinguished voices in the field of Africana philosophy and African-American social and political thought.

Topics covered include philosophic traditions; the moral and political legacy of slavery; Africa and diaspora thought; gender, race, and racism; legal and social philosophy; and aesthetics and cultural values.

The volume provides a comprehensive critical survey of African-American philosophical thought by leading authorities. Addressing key themes, it will serve as a benchmark work of reference for courses in philosophy, social and political thought, legal studies, liberal studies, cultural studies, American studies, and African-American studies.

Review Quotes

"A Companion to African-American Philosophy is an indispensable and elegant guide to a constellation of inquiries into and about African-American thought and the production of that thought." Wahneema Lubiano, Duke University

"Authoritative, compendious, and detailed, this landmark publication sets a standard against which every other reference work in the field must be judged." Wilson J. Moses, The Pennsylvania State University

"A new convergence of reflections on the African-American experience by some of the most active philosophers in the United States. An important reference work for scholars and a useful tool in the classroom." Emmanuel Chukwudi Eze, DePaul University

"This is the most thorough compilation of contemporary African-American philosophy I have yet seen. The inclusion of a selection of essays on cultural issues is a great addition. From racism to reparations to rap, these essays show how philosophers can illuminate current debates and eliminate persistent confusions in the mainstream discussions of these topics." Linda Martín Alcoff, Syracuse University

"A Companion to African-American Philosophy is a valuable reference source. The editors have done an excellent job of representing the essential themes of African-American philosophical thought as well as notable individuals from the field. Libraries that support black history/studies, philosophy, American studies, and contemporary American thought should definitely purchase the Companion it is well worth the cost. The novice will especially gain a wealth of information." Reference Reviews

About the Author

Tommy L. Lott is Professor of Philosophy at San José State University. He is author of The Invention of Race (Blackwell, 1999), editor of Subjugation and Bondage: Critical Essays on Slavery and Social Philosophy (1998), African-American Philosophy (2001), and co-editor of The Idea of Race (2000), and Philosophers on Race (Blackwell, 2002).

John P. Pittman is Chair of the Department of Art, Music, and Philosophy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. He is editor of African-American Perspectives and Philosophical Traditions (1996) and Associate Editor of the journal Philosophia Africana.