Slavery and Early Modern Philosophy: An NEH Institute for Higher-Education Faculty

This 3-week Institute for higher education faculty, titled “Slavery and Early Modern Philosophy,” focuses on philosophical debates about slavery in Europe and North America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Unlike other humanities disciplines, the field of philosophy has largely ignored early modern texts about slavery so far. The Institute directors aim to change the conversation in their field and bring philosophical debates about slavery into mainstream philosophy research and teaching. They believe that it is extremely valuable—and indeed, necessary—for Americans to grapple with the legacies of slavery and learn to discuss them openly. Historians of philosophy can play a vital role in facilitating such discussions. This Institute will have 25 participants and 6 faculty visitors who will each spend one or two days with the group.