The Idea of Race

by Robert Bernasconi (Editor), Tommy L. Lott (Editor)

A survey of the historical development of the idea of race, this anthology offers pre-twentieth century theories about the concept of race, classic twentieth century sources reiterating and contesting ideas of race as scientific, and several philosophically relevant essays that discuss the issues presented. A general Introduction gives an overview of the readings. Headnotes introduce each selection. Includes suggested further readings.

Genres: Philosophy, Race, History, Essays, Anthropology

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Russell Kapryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lays out a plethora of various philosophical writings and largely covers the notion of "race" starting in the 17th century and works its way up with writings to the present day (which ends in the 1990's as the book was published in 2000). While this publication is densely packed like an upper-division college textbook, the information contained within is useful in contextualizing the classification of ethnicities/races through the centuries. One can also expect to read how skin colors were once classified, why differences in color were thought to have developed, and the general inequities throughout time in how segments of people were treated by the dominate groups of those who were in power.

As a side note, this book is quite enlightening in the sense it goes beyond the discussion of race in the United States and focuses on the historical injustices of slavery and racism in other lands (such as Brazil).

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another anthology I read to help The Professor with his philosophy of race class.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of philosophical and historical writings on the progression of the idea of race.

[Mills College Library]

599.97 I192 2000