The philosophy of race
This course session touches upon the philosophical foundations of race, engaging with historical and contemporary debates on racial identity, racism, and justic
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 03 Jun 2025End Date: 03 Jun 2025Tue (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:45In PersonFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00
- Start Date: 29 Oct 2025End Date: 03 Dec 2025Wed (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)Course Code: HP268Tutors: Ovett NwosimiriFull fee £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £110.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The concept of race has played a crucial role in shaping human societies, influencing politics, culture, and personal identity - but what exactly is race? Is it a biological reality, a social construct, or something in between? How has the meaning of race changed across history and different cultures? Joins us to begin to explore these questions.
What will we cover?
• The meaning of Race
• Race as biological and social construct
• Works of philosophers and scholars on race
• Intersectionality of race, gender, and class.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Show an understanding of the philosophy of race.
• Be able to engage in the discourse of race open-mindedly.
• Undestand the different philosophical theories of race and racism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Various topics will be introduced in each session. Some of the assigned readings will be presented in PowerPoint format at each session. To better grasp the materials, a critical and intellectual discussion is encouraged during these sessions. Students are encouraged to search the internet for extra readings in addition to the assigned texts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A pen and paper may be useful for jotting down ideas.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- The philosophy of race (October)
- HPC299 Land Acknowledgement and Racial Justice: Approaches from Different Settler Societies
- HPC275 Ethnicity, Racism, Crime and the Criminal Justice System in Britain
- HPC276 Echoes of the Past: How America's History Shapes Modern Racial Injustice
Ovett Nwosimiri has a PhD in Philosophy. His research areas are in philosophy and ethics; particularly African philosophy, African epistemology, applied ethics, and philosophy of race. He has an interest in other philosophical areas and interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between philosophy and technology (AI). He is a Research Associate at the African Centre for Epistemology and Philosophy of Science, University of Johannesburg
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
