Pending: Ontological Dependence and Possible Metaphysics of Race / Yosef Washington.

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Washington, Yosef, author.

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania. Philosophy, degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Philosophy.

Philosophy of science.

Metaphysics.

Philosophy--Penn dissertations.

Penn dissertations--Philosophy.

Local Subjects:

Philosophy.

Philosophy of science.

Metaphysics.

Philosophy--Penn dissertations.

Penn dissertations--Philosophy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (132 pages)

Contained In:

Dissertations Abstracts International 85-03A.

Place of Publication:

[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania] : University of Pennsylvania, 2022.

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, 2023

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This dissertation concerns the use and applicability of the tools of metaphysics that should inform our theorizing about "race". In Chapter 1, I prescribe a metaphysical methodology that I believe establishes the foundation for any form of metaphysical theorizing about "race" or analysis of how "race" is conceived of in other academic disciplines. The aim of this method is to make salient the roles the use and interpretation of metaphysical concepts, like "existence", "emergence" and "persistence" play in both philosophical and cross-disciplinary analysis of race. In Chapter 2, I implement my prescribed method to argue that more philosophers should explore the option for "race" as a Bio-Social entity. I argue that our construction of an Ontological Taxonomy, a project that aims to categorize kinds of entities according to what is metaphysically necessary for their existence, ought to include an account of Bio-Social Reality. Bio-Social Reality is a description of the part of the ontological structure of reality, whose existence allows for biological and social mechanisms to interact to generate new kinds of entities. I categorize these entities as Bio-Social entities. I then analyze a conception of "race" that neatly illustrates how entities of this kind exist. In Chapter 3, I argue that all "realist" views of "race" collapse into one version of 'realism', Bio-Social realism. I argue that both dominant realist positions in philosophy of race, ontologically depend on the existence of Bio-Social reality described in Chapter 2. I argue that 'Social Construction' and 'Biological Racial Realism' accounts of "race" are better understood as differences in terms of the "salience" that "race" has on how groups of individuals view themselves and each other. What I hope to provide with this dissertation is guidance on how to uncover the way our metaphysical analysis informs how we view the world and our place in it using categories like "race".

Notes:

Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 85-03, Section: A.

Advisors: Spencer, Quayshawn; Committee members: Miracchi Titus, Lisa; Singer, Daniel.

Department: Philosophy.

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 2023.

Local Notes:

School code: 0175

ISBN:

9798380384605

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.

This item is not available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.