Ethics and Race : Past and Present Intersections and Controversies

Philosophers have separated the subjects of ethics and race. But every issue concerning race is an ethical issue. Ethics and Race approaches historical and contemporary issues of race and racism, on an ethical/moral foundation that the student is encouraged to think with.

The 24 chapters encompass the history of race in ideas and events, including both law and culture. Throughout the book, race is inclusively discussed––black, white, Asian, Native American. Topics within the book are coherently organized through six sections: I. Ideas and History of Race, II, Law and Policy, III, Social Institutions, IV Social Disruptions, V. Identity and Representation, VI, The National and International World. Key features include the following: Up to date scientific findings concerning race are clearly explained, to add to reasoning from the ethical foundation; Affirmative Action and Diversity, as well as current events from protests from Left and Right, and police killings are addressed; The relevance of race to the effects of disaster and climate change is explained; White privilege is considered and white racial status is introduced as an important factor that has led to current political impasse and cultural oppositions; Racial identity, included mixed race is considered, as is race and gender and media representation.

Ethics and Race mainly addresses race and race relations in the United States, but international issues and examples are included. Humanism, as derived from global thought is proposed in the final chapter. However, while Ethics and Race treats issues of race as a moral subject, with suggested moral foundations, the student is not told what to conclude on any of these issues. This is an important opportunity, through thought, discussion, and writing questions, for the student to think through contemporary issues concerning race, on explicit moral foundations, and construct their own chains of reasonings. Students may also bring in their own experience, as relevant.