Note: This blog post was co-authored by Sigal R. Ben-Porath, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania
The first African American Rhodes Scholar, Alain Locke was a professor of philosophy at Howard University. He began this position in 1918 and retired as the chair of the philosophy department in 1953. Heavily influenced by W.E.B. Du Bois and Carter G. Woodson, Locke developed the philosophy of the New Negro, which was committed to the idea of building the Black race. Under Locke’s leadership, the philosophy department at Howard University became a powerhouse of learning, research, and thought.
Unfortunately, this same department is currently under fire. The institution’s leadership plans to fold philosophy into an interdisciplinary unit dedicated to teaching core curriculum courses. In a higher education climate that values degrees that bring in substantial tuition dollars, philosophy departments are prime targets for cutting and consolidating. Eradicating philosophy departments is a mistake at any institution, and it is tremendously short sighted in the case of Howard University.
The department under the direction of Alain Locke was a birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance. This legacy is long and important to the underpinnings of American culture. The philosophy department at Howard should be celebrated as one of the few departments in the country with an Africana perspective, providing a unique space for thinking about American and African American culture.
Have we forgotten the words of Carter G. Woodson on the importance of teaching an individual to think for him or herself — “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions”? It is important that young African Americans explore deep philosophical ideas as a part of their education even if they are pursuing professional degrees. And it is vital that Americans have the opportunity to benefit from the productive ideas generated in this unique environment of inquiry.
Philosophical thought leads to questioning, meaningful exchange, and personal development. Alain Locke’s work on the value of race and the toll of interracial relations informs our philosophical and social thinking today, in academe and beyond. Philosophical research also offers opportunities to consider ethics, the meaning of language, and the reasoning behind scientific approaches. Classes in philosophy help young people to develop capacity for logical and critical thinking.
It is a tragedy for any college or university to cut or consolidate its philosophy department. It is even more disheartening when that department, however stressed for funds, serves large numbers of minority students. Young African American students need the opportunity to widen their horizons and exposure to philosophical thinking is vitally important in this process.
5 Responses to The Importance of Philosophy at HBCUs: The Case of Howard University
hms3683 - October 14, 2010 at 9:27 am
In a time when corporatism dominates the American landscape, when institutions that have been trusted no longer deserve their trust, the ability to spend longer than usual amounts of time on questions that matter is a necessity more than a luxury. From the extensive reflection incorporated in philosophy comes the ability to pause to reflect and consider solutions being presented. The ability to think for oneself is a requirement of the ability to act for oneself. Those who cannot act for themselves acquire the mindset of the slave. Whether slavery is to the plantation owner for sake of safety and sustenance or slavery is to the employer for the wages to afford the same safety and sustenance makes little difference. The freedom of the mind is under attack from those who use their big money to trim our thought to soundbites. Philosophy stands in the way of the movement to enslave our thoughts. It is the most natural candidate for a department to be steamrolled into oblivion. Its removal would herald an age of thoughtless obedience to the higher monetary classes in the class warfare that becomes our daily life.
lillie - October 14, 2010 at 12:00 pm
We appreciate Professor Gasman’s comments regarding our review of our Philosophy program at Howard University. She is correct to note the role of the Philosophy Department and its most accomplished scholars in the evolution of Howard University and Blacks in higher education.
We have completed a rather extensive review and assessment of our academic programs, and are in the process of reviewing presidential academic enhancement and program change recommendations. Our schools and colleges and academic departments are now in the process of reviewing the recommendations and developing responses and alternatives for the univeristy community and President’s consideration.
We understand the critical role of Philosophy in a university curriculum and are committed to maintaining its presence in the Howard curriculum. The President’s recommendation to close the Master of Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts Philosopy degree programs is being reviewed by the departmental faculty, Dean and Provost and Chief Academic Officer in the context of his broader enhancement recommendations concerning undergraduate and graduate education at Howard University.
Alvin Thornton
joesuber - October 14, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Socrates!Enough said!
pedromartinez - October 16, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Marybeth,
I have worked in HBCUs for over 25 years, and I am still wondering why a Department of Philosophy can single handedly play a crucial role in teaching critical thinking skills.Is this unique to HBCUs? Where do we position the rest of the universities? I do agree that a Department of Philosophy may enhance a liberal arts education but your implication that these departments play a crucial role, aside from others, reinforces the traditional canon, that one can only liberate students’ minds through courses in Philosophy. Do Departments of Philosophy have the hegemony on “critical thinking? Could this be accomplished in any other way? Why do we adhere to the notion that only HBCU’s have the noble and unique mission to help African American students? Why not all universities? Why not become more encompassing and extend this mission to “other minorities”? We continue to encapsulate our minority students by implying that they can get a good education in single-ethnic institutions. Just like lately single sex schools have become trendy! Are we implying that we have two different learners? Diversity once seen as a beacon of democracy and equality, is now acussed of being a barrier in learning. Then we turn around and claim that we are preparing our students for “globalization”. Don’t you find this hypocritical? Are we speaking from both sides of our mouths? We continue to suffer from bipolarity.This mentality continues to feed on the conventional idea that minorities are best taught in very “specific” places by very “specific” people and now by very “specific” departments! Hogwash! I hope that in the 21st century, we are able to cross the treshold and move beyond the vestiges of Jim Crow laws.
wturnertsu - October 19, 2010 at 12:28 pm
We, as a people, can ill-afford to tolerate very many more Marybeths at Howard or any other institution of Higher Learning, whether HBCU or PWI. Such a person certainly cannot be tolerated for 25 long years! Aspirations and reality are two different things. We all “HOPE…inthe 21st century…, we cross the threshold…” Until then, we must continue to address some specific deficiencies resulting from slavery and Jim Crow laws.
Patients suffering from cardiac arrests aren’t sent to a podiatrist or a gynecologist or some generalist. The condition is much too critical, although such other physicians are generally familiar with the heart and how it functions. We know that there are many racists teaching at HBCU’s and PWI’s and that they are very subtle. We need the course founded by Locke because it, moreso than any other, better prepares a cadre of Blacks, and others, to understand, treat and possibly cure
an age-old ailment that still afflicts American, particularly African Americans. A department that can teach it is possible to be pro-black, without being anti-white.