Difference: A Canonical Problem

Dr. Dwight K. Lewis, Jr., an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota, will present "Difference: A Canonical Problem" in a virtual event on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 1:00 P.M.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required: Register Here

Diversity and the concepts of difference are, or should be, central concerns both for the history of philosophy and for our current political reality. Within academic philosophy, these concerns are expressed in the growing demand for inclusion of undervalued and underrepresented standpoints within the canon, which is overwhelmingly white and male, especially in early modern philosophy. This talk engages the problem of the canon and aims to give an example for addressing this problem through Anton Wilhelm Amo. Amo (c. 1700– c. 1750) — born in West Africa, enslaved, and then gifted to the Duke of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel — became the first African to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy at a European university. He went on to teach philosophy at the Universities of Halle and Jena.

About the Speaker: Dwight K. Lewis, Jr. is an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota. His research interrogates philosophy through a historical lens; he focuses on the Early Modern Period, Africana Philosophy, the Philosophical Canon, and the discipline of philosophy. He attempts to live his life as James Baldwin says, “larger, freer, and more loving”, for himself and in relation to his community, both locally and globally. Larger, Freer, More Loving is also the name of his podcast with Matt LaVine. Enjoy life! Love yourself!

This event is presented by the Department of Philosophy at UNO.