Disciplinary Decadence

Lewis R. Gordon is a Laura H. Carnell Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for the Study of Race and Social Thought and the Center for Afro-Jewish Studies at Temple University. He also is President of the Caribbean Philosophical Association and Ongoing Visiting Professor of Government and Philosophy at the University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica. His books include Existentia Africana: Understanding Africana Existential Thought (Routledge, 2000) and the co-edited, with Jane Anna Gordon, Not Only the Master’s Tools: African-American Studies in Theory and Practice (Paradigm Publishers, 2005).

“‘Philosophy, heal thyself!’ is the uncompromising prescription of Lewis Gordon's provocative new book. He throws down a bold challenge to the profession to revitalize itself by ending its Eurocentrism (especially its anti-Africanism), building networks to reach out to and learn from non-traditional constituencies, and above all recognizing that even on earth there are more things than are dreamt of in its philosophy.”—Charles W. Mills, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, University of Illinois at Chicago “This book will leave no doubt in your mind as to the power and capabilities of Africana philosophy. Moving critically and constructively through problems of decadence and renewal in fields such as the philosophy of education, religion, ethics, African and Afro-Caribbean philosophy, Disciplinary Decadence is Africana philosophy in intellectual motion.”—Paget Henry, Professor of Africana Studies & Sociology, Brown University

• Introduction; Chapter 1 Decadent Knowing and Learning; Chapter 2 God Beneath; Chapter 3 Obligations across Generations; Chapter 4 Inventing Africa; Chapter 5 Decadent Development; Chapter 6 Prospero's Words, Caliban's Reason;