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Philosophy Club

The Philosophy Club meets weekly to discuss various philosophical questions and historical topics. The club brings in a wide and diverse range of philosophical perspectives and puts them into conversation with each other. Alongside discussions, we will be holding movie nights and eventual speaker events in the future. Anyone who has philosophical interest or wants to learn more is welcome to join. Contact philrel@american.edu for more info!

Buddhism and Nonviolence Keynote

The department, with the Asia, Pacific, & Diaspora Studies Program, recently hosted Professor Duncan Williams (University Of Southern California) as the Keynote Speaker for the . View the keynote video: “” (or an��).

Department Hires Jerome Clarke

We are pleased to announce that Jerome Clarke has joined the department in Fall 2023 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Clarke writes on Technology Ethics (esp. AI/ML), the Critical Philosophy of Race, and 20th-century Social Philosophy. His book manuscript (under construction) reformulates the theory of racism in light of algorithmic harms in contemporary, institutional life. The project prominently features a reevaluation of W.E.B. Du Bois' critique of empiricism in governance and social science. Dr. Clarke's other research intervenes on recent debates in Black Studies and the Philosophy of Technology under the principle of bridging conceptual discussion and applied inquiry. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Clarke!

Department Hires Kiesha Martin

We are pleased to announce that Kiesha Martin joined the department in Fall 2023 as an Instructor. Kiesha is a Jamaican, PhD Candidate in the department of Philosophy at Marquette University. Her research lies along the interface between Philosophy and Caribbean Theory. Her dissertation, “I am my language: A Philosophical Definition of Linguistic Identity” develops and defends a concept of linguistic identity, which builds upon Gloria Anzaldúa’s notion of the inextricable link between language and identity. More broadly her scholarship focuses on diverse representation in historically demographically homogenous spaces. She focusses on the -socio- construction of the “self” in relation to the “other,” particularly as this happens through language in social spheres. This research is both theoretical and practical, with implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. Please join us in welcoming Kiesha!

64th Annual Hurst Lecture

The department hosted its 64^th Annual Hurst Lecture in Spring 2023. Speaker John Maraldo, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at the University of North Florida, presented on “The ‘Anthropocene’: Through the Lens of a Modern Japanese Philosopher.” Offered annually in the spring, the Bishop John Fletcher Hurst Philosophy Lecture series brings some of the most distinguished thinkers from this country and abroad. As a result, our students have immediate contact with those shaping philosophical theory in many fields. More information about previous lectures, including recordings, is available at the lecture series page.

15th Annual Durfee Lecture

The department hosted its 15th Annual Durfee Lecture in Spring 2023. Alex Nava, Professor of Religious Studies and Classics at the University of Arizona, presented on “God and Hip Hop.” Professor Nava’s talk considered major trends in hip-hop, past and present, with a focus on echoes of religion and spirituality in the culture. From Rakim and KRS-One to Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar, religious passions and appetites have been a strong element in the history the hip-hop, the beating pulse of the genre. This element, however, is often overlooked by many critics, relegated to insignificance. As a corrective to such approaches, this lecture explored affinities between hip-hop and central themes in African American and Latin American religious traditions, particularly the tradition of liberation theology. See the Durfee Lecture Series page for information about previous lectures.

Black Lives Matter

At virtual , alumni share thoughts and experiences with racism and activism.

Alumni Spotlight

���ǻ��� PHIL/REL alum��Rory Kraft penned an op-ed in the��York Daily Record:��.

Philosophy student Angelica Vega��was a fellow this summer at RespectAbility, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that understands we are a stronger community when we live up to our values:��when we are welcoming, diverse, moral and respect one another. Read about her work:��.