The Meaning of Race/Culture with William Paris

This is the fourth event of Being and Becoming's week-long philosophy festival from November 19-23. To check out the other events happening this week check out our website: https://beingnbecoming.org/
Title: The Meaning of Race/Culture with William Paris

Workshop Description: We often speak of race and culture being real, but what are they really? Is race an artifact of social construction or a biological reality? Is culture simply a set of shared practices or is it a form of identity? Can race shape culture and vice versa? These questions have puzzled philosophers for generations. William Paris will explore the different interpretations and potential links between these two important, yet difficult to pin down concepts. He will demonstrate that we often rely on contradictory and mutually exclusive notions of race and culture when we interpret social life. Clarifying what we could possibly mean in our uses of "race" and "culture" will allow us to better critique wrongs such as racism and cultural appropriation. By looking at works of some prominent philosophers as well as some real-world examples it will be possible to that race and culture remain relevant as ever to social life and its problems.
William Paris is an Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He is also an Associate Editor for the journal Critical Philosophy of Race. He is one of the co-hosts of What’s Left of Philosophy? His research focuses on History of African American philosophy, critical theory, 20th century continental philosophy, and political philosophy. He is also the author of the forthcoming Race, Time, and Utopia: Critical Theory and the Process of Emancipation (Oxford University Press).
This event will be held in collaboration with UofT's Philosophers for Humanity. Philosophers for Humanity is an organization that aims to combine theory with practice to effect philanthropic change through a philosophical lens. In combining philosophy and philanthropy, they hope to raise awareness of important issues while begetting a culture of action-oriented advocacy. With many ways to get involved (you don’t need to be a philosopher!), they aim to create a substantive impact within the University of Toronto and the broader community. Part of your ticket proceeds (20%) will go towards their selected charity for the year: WoodGreen Community Centre.
WoodGreen is a charity which provides over 37 000 residents of Toronto, annually, with access to affordable social services. These services include affordable housing child care, youth mental health resources, and settlement services for recent immigrants and refugees.
Accessibility Info:
Some accessibility-related information* about our event and the venue:

• OISE is the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. The workshop room is located on the 5th floor in room 5150.
• The building is equipped with a wheelchair accessible ramp to the accessible entrance.
• Washrooms are available on every floor and single user are available on the 5th floor.
• If the cost of any event presents a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We are giving away a limited number of free tickets as long as quantities last, no questions asked.
  We recognize that this list provides a far-from comprehensive picture of accessibility-related concerns you might have. If you have any questions about this event, please contact us at [email protected]. We'll do our best to answer your question as soon as possible!

Host or Publisher Being and Becoming