Research
My philosophical interests are centered around issues of oppression, and the barriers to reaching a just, free and equal society. My research explores the epistemic effects of oppression on the oppressed, and the normative implications of those effects. I often consider these problems within the context of race and gender. As such, much of my research stands at the nexus of Social/Political Philosophy, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Race.
My current research has had two main components. The first component focuses on the epistemic situation of oppressed people, and how oppressive societies often engender the consent and support of those they oppress, through the formation of false consciousness in the oppressed. In my paper "Is There an Epistemic Advantage to Being Oppressed?" (forthcoming in Noûs), I consider how we should best think of the Standpoint Theorists' idea that an epistemic advantage accrues to the oppressed in virtue of their oppression. (You can read an accessible short-ish summary of the paper I wrote here.) The second component of my research explores the implications of false consciousness for people and movements dedicated to resisting oppression. One of the central questions I have focused on is whether false consciousness justifies some kind of prima facie ‘elite’ and hierarchically structured movements and practices, as favored by some Black Radicals and Black Nationalists, as well as some on the left. My research engages with epistemic questions around disagreement and dogmatism, and political philosophy questions about the nature and value of democracy. Tying together both components is my work’s emphasis on the importance of appreciating and surpassing the epistemic pitfalls of oppression, both for understanding oppression, and for emancipatory activity.
My current research has had two main components. The first component focuses on the epistemic situation of oppressed people, and how oppressive societies often engender the consent and support of those they oppress, through the formation of false consciousness in the oppressed. In my paper "Is There an Epistemic Advantage to Being Oppressed?" (forthcoming in Noûs), I consider how we should best think of the Standpoint Theorists' idea that an epistemic advantage accrues to the oppressed in virtue of their oppression. (You can read an accessible short-ish summary of the paper I wrote here.) The second component of my research explores the implications of false consciousness for people and movements dedicated to resisting oppression. One of the central questions I have focused on is whether false consciousness justifies some kind of prima facie ‘elite’ and hierarchically structured movements and practices, as favored by some Black Radicals and Black Nationalists, as well as some on the left. My research engages with epistemic questions around disagreement and dogmatism, and political philosophy questions about the nature and value of democracy. Tying together both components is my work’s emphasis on the importance of appreciating and surpassing the epistemic pitfalls of oppression, both for understanding oppression, and for emancipatory activity.