Critical Theory in Context On the Relationship between Philosophy and Activism
Apr 19, 2023
Sally Haslanger, Ford Professor of Philosophy at MIT and feminist and anti-racist activist, explores the ties between theory and practice. She discusses how personal trauma shaped her activism. Short takes cover movement education, co-designing community projects, tackling period poverty, and how theory diagnoses structures and locates leverage for change.
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Transformative Moment Sparked Activism
- Sally Haslanger recounts being assaulted in college and how that experience transformed her political consciousness toward feminism.
- She joined Title IX and anti-pornography activism while keeping academic metaphysics separate from early activist work.
Recruiting Expertise Changed a Campaign
- At UC Berkeley Sally describes recruiting Catherine MacKinnon to meet university lawyers about sexual harassment protections.
- That meeting felt like a concrete victory in early efforts to institutionalize protections.
Support Roles Are Vital In Movements
- Sally finds she excels at supporting movement infrastructure rather than leading audacious actions.
- She contributes by building networks, sustaining commitment, and amplifying diverse voices in coalitions.
