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A Productive Lack: Dewey, Pragmatism, and Race

Fri, April 25, 9:50 to 11:20am MDT (9:50 to 11:20am MDT), The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 1

Abstract

Given Dewey’s well-established neglect of issues of race, does he offer resources relevant to contemporary democratic theory? Rather than seeking an answer—Dewey yes or no-- this essay explores these questions as a way expand our understandings of Dewey and democratic theory. To do so, I draw on contemporary scholars. Paul Taylor and Shannon Sullivan’s account of the habits provides a vehicle to better understand whiteness. Eddie Glaude’s use of Deweyan habits to make sense of racialized experiences, identities, and histories is an important corrective to visions of politics which pre-determine ends. Building on Sullivan and Glaude, I argue that Deweyan habits can be the basis for a more nuanced understanding of the racialized dimensions of identity and politics.

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