Philosophy & Afrofuturism

July 11 + 14, 6-8pm ET

Damion Scott

This course will focus on select philosophical topics in Afrofuturism and Black Futurism. The term ‘Afrofuturism’ refers to the thought and practice of Africana peoples projecting themselves into narratives of the future as well as conceptualizing the role of technology in ways relevant to Africana and Black Identity. As with any definition, there is space for implication, expansion and alternative future usage. As such, we will focus on several key themes in Afrofuturism under three headings: the semantic-ontological, the aesthetic, and the ethico-political. We will pursue answers to certain questions such as “What is ‘Afrofuturism?”, “How does Afrofuturism challenge the political and historical erasure of African identity and history?”, “What exactly is ‘black’ about Black Music?”, “How does futurism manifest itself in non-narrative form?”, “What is the difference between Afrofuturism and ‘Black Futurism?”

When you purchase your course seat please also submit this Application Form. Your enrollment is not reserved unless the Application Form has been received. Thank you!

Damion Scott is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New York (CUNY) and a PhD Candidate in Philosophy at Stony Brook University. He researches metaphysics, aesthetics, and Africana Philosophy. He is the author of "Afrofuturism and Black Futurism: Some Ontological and Semantic Distinctions" in the Palgrave Macmillan Anthology, Critical Black Futures.