New Books in Philosophy William M. Paris, "Race, Time, and Utopia: Critical Theory and the Process of Emancipation" (Oxford UP, 2024)
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Feb 20, 2025 
William Paris, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, delves into the intricate ties between race, time, and utopia. He discusses how historical figures like Du Bois and Fanon inform our understanding of systemic injustice. Paris emphasizes the role of utopian thinking in navigating modern crises and critiques capitalist time organization as a tool of racial domination. He also explores the complexities of Black leadership, advocating for grassroots empowerment while redefining Black Power beyond traditional civil rights.
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Consciousness and Social Relationships
- Consciousness is not merely passive reflection, but practical and shaped by our actions.
- Utopian consciousness strives to resolve crises by creating new practices that challenge existing social realities.
Time and Racial Domination
- Racial domination involves controlling others' time by disrupting their practices and imposing norms.
- Du Bois's concept of the "talented tenth" highlights the challenge of leadership within racial domination.
Du Bois's Talented Tenth
- Du Bois's "talented tenth" faced a temporal rift, alienated from both the black masses and white society.
- Du Bois's "Of the Coming of John" illustrates the disconnect between leaders and those they seek to lead.