Elucidations Episode 85: Bryce Huebner discusses race and cognitive science
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Aug 1, 2016 Bryce Huebner, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown who links cognitive science and social philosophy. He discusses how physical and social environments shape implicit racial biases. He warns that token curriculum changes can backfire and argues for structural reforms. He explores neighborhood effects on perception and suggests reworking institutions so automatic responses favor inclusion.
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Syllabus Diversity Can Backfire
- Diversifying syllabi can backfire if instructors present non-Western perspectives half-heartedly, signaling marginalization to students.
- Bryce Huebner warns that subtle differences in presentation lead students to treat added perspectives as less valuable or irrelevant.
Change Structures Not Just Course Readings
- Replace token inclusion with structural change: hire more scholars of African descent and build spaces where Africana traditions flourish.
- Bryce Huebner urges altering conferences, anthologies, and hiring to disrupt white power in philosophy.
White Spaces Shape Perception Of Neighborhoods
- White spaces form when environments and institutions tune white people to see their surroundings as the default safe, clean norm.
- Huebner connects urban segregation and perceptions: white observers read black neighborhoods as dangerous because of ideological tuning.