Intelligence Squared

Reflections on Black Consciousness: Lewis Gordon and Paul Gilroy in conversation

Mar 26, 2022

In this insightful discussion, philosopher Lewis Gordon, head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Connecticut, teams up with Paul Gilroy, a leading theorist of race and founder of UCL's Sarah Parker Remond Centre. They explore the multifaceted nature of black consciousness and identity, emphasizing the intersection of culture, philosophy, and activism. Key topics include the irony in power dynamics, the cultural significance of black music, and the impact of films like 'Black Panther' on societal narratives. Their conversation urges a deeper reflection on the complexities of black identity and the need for radical democracy.

50:07

Episode guests

Lewis Gordon

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring Identity and Blackness

21min

The Role of Irony in Understanding Human Experience and Power Dynamics

4min

Cinematic Reflections on Black Identity

6min

The Soul of Black Music and Identity

12min

The Legacy of Symbolic Leadership and Radical Democracy

3min

Professor Lewis Gordon is a leading philosopher and Department Head at the University of Connecticut who believes that intellectual thought matters as much as political activism in the struggle to achieve racial justice. His recent book Fear of Black Consciousness is an exploration that combines academic theory and also his ideas on pop culture to create a broad and thought-provoking study, Gordon is joined in conversation by Professor Paul Gilroy, author, one of the world’s foremost theorists of race and racism, and Founding Director of the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Racism & Racialisation at University College London.

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