Non-Cartesian Sums
Jessica Smith
Prof. Anderson
PHIL 3741-001
31 January 2013
“Non-Cartesian Sums: Philosophy and the African-American Experience” Response In his article “Non-Cartesian Sums” Charles Mills claims how black philosophy differentiates from western (white) philosophy. My view on Charles Mills “Non-Cartesian Sums: Philosophy and the African-American Experience” is that here is a man who is trying to break down what African American philosophy is to the college student. I feel like this is much need; because almost all African American college students should take a course dealing with the African American origins no matter what course it is. It is important to know the history and origins of your race/ethnic backgrounds. I feel like Charles Mills wrote this passage to encourage his black audience and get them to understand what African American Philosophy is and what its aspects are. A lot of people especially African Americans do not bother studying philosophy because in ways it is more geared towards the white audience. In my opinion if a person had the decision to either study psychology, philosophy or sociology Im pretty sure philosophy will be at the bottom of the list. I feel like Mills wanted African Americans to get into philosophy and challenge themselves to really think about their history and origins other than what they already know or where taught. Black and white philosophy in my opinion are two different things which should be taught by qualified instructors; you may ask me why just by the color of their skin? I would tell you yes and no. Yes because how can you teach something if you nor your race has experience trials and issues that were at hand. I say no because any person can teach whatever they want or qualify to teach but it will never reach the audience your teaching because once again they can not relate to you. The main issue here is that blacks are so over looked and underrated because of history and the white man has always been “above”
Prof. Anderson
PHIL 3741-001
31 January 2013
“Non-Cartesian Sums: Philosophy and the African-American Experience” Response In his article “Non-Cartesian Sums” Charles Mills claims how black philosophy differentiates from western (white) philosophy. My view on Charles Mills “Non-Cartesian Sums: Philosophy and the African-American Experience” is that here is a man who is trying to break down what African American philosophy is to the college student. I feel like this is much need; because almost all African American college students should take a course dealing with the African American origins no matter what course it is. It is important to know the history and origins of your race/ethnic backgrounds. I feel like Charles Mills wrote this passage to encourage his black audience and get them to understand what African American Philosophy is and what its aspects are. A lot of people especially African Americans do not bother studying philosophy because in ways it is more geared towards the white audience. In my opinion if a person had the decision to either study psychology, philosophy or sociology Im pretty sure philosophy will be at the bottom of the list. I feel like Mills wanted African Americans to get into philosophy and challenge themselves to really think about their history and origins other than what they already know or where taught. Black and white philosophy in my opinion are two different things which should be taught by qualified instructors; you may ask me why just by the color of their skin? I would tell you yes and no. Yes because how can you teach something if you nor your race has experience trials and issues that were at hand. I say no because any person can teach whatever they want or qualify to teach but it will never reach the audience your teaching because once again they can not relate to you. The main issue here is that blacks are so over looked and underrated because of history and the white man has always been “above”