PENDING: ONTOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE AND POSSIBLE METAPHYSICS OF RACE

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Degree type
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduate group
Philosophy
Discipline
Philosophy
Philosophy
Subject
Metaphysics
Philosophy of race
Philosophy of social science
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2023
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Author
Washington, Yosef
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Abstract

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”.

Advisor
Spencer, Quayshawn, N
Date of degree
2023
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