Five Questions
Kwame Anthony Appiah
Sep 29, 2020
Kwame Anthony Appiah, Professor of Philosophy and Law at NYU and author of "The Lies That Bind," shares insights on navigating identity and ethics. He reflects on his experiences as an openly gay man in 1970s Cambridge, highlighting the cultural acceptance of the time. Appiah discusses the influence of philosopher Frank Ramsey on modern thought and expresses concerns about intellectual stagnation and societal divisions. His journey emphasizes the transformative power of philosophy in understanding ourselves and bridging divides.
28:25
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Quick takeaways
- Kwame Anthony Appiah transitioned from semantics to moral and political philosophy, exploring identity and its societal implications throughout his academic career.
- His non-confrontational approach to philosophical discourse emphasizes respectful conversation as a means to foster understanding and adaptability in challenging ethical discussions.
Deep dives
Transition from Semantics to Ethics
The speaker discusses their transition from initially working on semantics and the philosophy of language to focusing on moral and political philosophy, particularly in relation to identity. This shift was influenced by their early job at Yale, which required engagement with African and African-American studies. As a result, they explored topics such as the philosophy of race and Pan-Africanism, driven by both professional obligations and personal interests, including their family's history in the Pan-African movement. This blend of necessity and curiosity highlights how academic paths can evolve from one interest to another, often influenced by broader societal contexts.
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