Title

When Knowledge Is Not Enough: Racial Ignorance and Understanding

Authors

Eric Bayruns GarcíaFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Winter 2-23-2020

Department

Philosophy

Abstract

I argue that merely causing individuals to have knowledge of racial injustice and race relations in society is insufficient to prevent them from coming to hold false racist beliefs. I also argue that causing individuals to have understanding of racial injustice and race relations is sufficient to prevent individuals from coming to hold false racist beliefs. I suggest that if these two claims are correct, then educators should compose curricula such that they engender deep understanding of racial injustice and race relations in students.

I suggest curricula should include Charles Mills’ classic book The Racial Contract because this book involves explanations of racial injustice and why US curricula insufficiently invoke racial injustice. I also suggest that educators should include this book as part of a pedagogical approach that aims to make areas of study such as ethics and political philosophy take up the ethical and political realities students of color face.

Recommended Citation

Bayruns García, Eric, "When Knowledge Is Not Enough: Racial Ignorance and Understanding" (2020). Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy. 100.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/q2sep/100