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Phenomenology, Embodiment and Race

Cal State Fullerton Hosts 40th Annual Philosophy Symposium April 8-9

March 30, 2010 :: No. 097

Philosophers will be speaking on “Phenomenology, Embodiment and Race” April 8-9 during Cal State Fullerton’s 40th annual Philosophy Symposium.

One of the hottest new areas in philosophy is "embodiment," the study of the subject as embodied, challenging the mind and body dualism, said Emily S. Lee, assistant professor of philosophy and an event organizer.

“This year is our 40th anniversary of the symposium and the speaker lineup is impressive,” said Mitch Avila, chair and associate professor of philosophy. “The invited scholars are easily the leading scholars in this area and their participation is highly anticipated. The topic — race and embodiment — could not be more apropos for our campus.

“The importance of this year’s topic to students and the campus in undeniable,” he added. “We sometimes forget that Cal State Fullerton is on the cutting edge of bringing students of color and women into the academy. We have one of the most diverse philosophy programs in the country with one of the most diverse student bodies. This presents opportunities to discuss race and embodiment in ways that rarely present themselves in other contexts.”

The free, public event will be held April 8 in Portola Pavilion and April 9 in the Titan Theater. Both venues are located in Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Student Union. Parking on campus is $8 per vehicle.

Symposium Highlights

Thursday, April 8

    9:15-10:45 a.m.
    “White Microtomy and Black Volatility: Where Is My Body?” —George Yancy of Duquesne University
    11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    “Race Assimilation and Self-Evaluative Emotions” — David Kim of University of San Francisco
    2-3:30 p.m
    “The Particularities of Race/Gender and the Philosopher’s Body” — Donna-Dale Marcano of Trinity College
    3:45-5:15 p.m.
    “Whiteness in a Rainbow Society” — Linda Martin Alcoff of Hunter College, City University of New York

Friday, April 9

    10:30 a.m.- noon
    “Pride and Prejudice: Ambiguous Racial, Religious, Ethnic Identities of Jewish Bodies” — Gail Weiss of George Washington University
    2-3:30 p.m.
    “Hometactics: On Belonging and Becoming” — Mariana Ortega of John Carroll University
    3:45-5:15 p.m.
    “Materializing Race” — Charles Mills of Northwestern University

Symposium sponsors are Cal State Fullerton’s Philosophy and Women’s Studies departments; Division of Politics, Administration and Justice; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; and vice presidents for Academic and Student Affairs; as well as the college’s Inter-Club Council, Philosophy and Philosophy Alumni clubs.

Media Contacts:
Mitch Avila, Philosophy, 657-278-2272 or mavila@fullerton.edu
Emily S. Lee, Philosophy, 657-278-3694 or elee@fullerton.edu
Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 657-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu