African American Philosophers and Philosophy: An Introduction to the History, Concepts and Contemporary Issues

This book presents the first introduction to African American academic philosophers. Choosing to focus exclusively on the role of professional philosophers, this volume explores their concepts and ideas, revealing the critical part they have played in the formation of African American philosophy.

Setting the historical context, an introductory chapter covers the period from the early years of educational attainment in the 1860s to the 1960s, when only 4 PhDs in philosophy were granted to African Americans. To demonstrate the impact of their philosophical work on general problems in the discipline, chapters are broken down into four major areas of study: Axiology; Social science; Philosophy of religion; and Philosophy of science

Providing personal narratives on individual philosophers and examining the work of figures such as H. T. Johnson, William D. Johnson, William R. Jones, Roy D. Morrison, William A. Banner, African American Philosophers and Philosophy challenges the myth that philosophy is exclusively a white academic discipline. Packed with examples of struggles and triumphs, this engaging introduction is a much-needed approach to studying philosophy today.