Recently, the American Philosophical Association (APA) Newsletter put out a call for papers (CFP). They are asking for reflections on the experiences of philosophers who come from a first-generation and/or low-income background (deadline is Sept 15 if you want to submit). One of the topics listed by the APA was “Code Switching across Academic and Non-Academic (Familial or Home) Life” and it got me thinking... The world of home I am not the first in my family to attend university. In fact, both … [Read more...]
A love language
In a previous post, Katy pondered what love might have to do with visiting other worlds. She partly landed on love as a way of preventing us from objectifying the other, to engage with others respectfully. I want to take that a little further. Katy admits that she is uncomfortable with the idea of love in politics. But I think love can be a kind of language that allows us to start thinking about politics. Visiting According to Hannah Arendt, visiting is the process of expanding our … [Read more...]
Solidarity and equity in pandemic times: A new paper and a panel discussion
It's vacation season here in Southwestern Ontario. even though COVID-19 has restricted travel, I know several people taking the time to visit cottages or go camping. Perhaps you need something to read or watch on your vacation (or staycation)? Then check out these links! During the pandemic, many of our "At Home with Arendt" posts have focused on solidarity. Find some of my recent work in the links below (and of course, previous blog posts here). New article: Virus Interruptus The first is … [Read more...]
Positive and negative solidarity in pandemic times
In a previous post, Janet raised questions about how solidarity might spontaneously arise during the pandemic to challenge anti-Asian racism. Drawing on Arendt and Dean, Janet emphasizes that responsibility to others, rather than feelings of affection or good will, must be central in a conception of solidarity. I have also drawn attention to the need for a relational account of solidarity in relation to public health ethics. In the past month, the spontaneity of solidarity seems to have … [Read more...]
Spontaneous solidarity – a new way forward?
What does solidarity mean? This is a question I’ve been grappling with since the pandemic started. It might be a strange topic to be thinking about, given that a lot of people are concerned with public health and vaccines, but I think their questions and mine are related. Think about it this way: aren’t the lockdown measures a symbol of solidarity? By complying with the stay-at-home orders, we’re demonstrating solidarity with the sick and vulnerable, friends and colleagues, our family, and even … [Read more...]