On what seems to be just another ordinary day, a man is exposed to sexism and sexual violence in a society ruled by women… (10 minutes) With Pierre Benezit, Marie-Lorna Vaconsin, Marie Favasuli, Céline Menville…
Oxytocin: The “Moral Molecule”
Yesterday I shared a video of neuroscientist Paul Zak explaining how stories can change our brains and our behavior. In this video, Paul Zak delivers a TED talk where he argues that “oxytocin (he calls it “the moral molecule”) is
Anita Hill Documentary Trailer
Against a backdrop of sex, politics, and race, ANITA reveals the intimate story of a woman who spoke truth to power. Directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Freida Mock, the film is both a celebration of Anita Hill’s legacy and a
How stories can change our brains & behavior
I am so intrigued by empathy as well as neuroscience. In this video, neuroeconomics pioneer Paul Zak, with the help of editor & director Kirby Ferguson and animator Henrique Barone, takes us inside his lab, where he studies how people
Jesse Prinz on How Atheists Can be Spiritual
“When you stand before an art work, you lose yourself to something great but you also become greater because you feel this sense of connection to other people, to other aesthetic traditions, to beauty….”–Jesse Prinz (Philosopher, CUNY Graduate Center) Awakening
Character as Moral Fiction
Moral psychologist and Experimental Philosopher, Mark Alfano released a book a few months ago called Character as Moral Fiction. I enjoy reading interesting moral psychology and ethical stuff so I find his work fascinating. Here’s a summary of his book:
Jennifer Saul and Implicit Bias
On Philosophy Bites, philosopher Jennifer Saul, discusses the range of ways in which we are prone to implicit bias and the philosophical implications of these biases. Jennifer Saul is the executive director of the implicit bias project. To find out
The Afterlife according to Christopher Hitchens (animated version)
The afterlife. The concept is wrapped in the idea of our immortality and the strength to confront death. For Christopher Hitchens the concept of the afterlife doesn’t sound too comforting. For one, it is as if we have to leave
In My Classroom… End of the Semester Class Pictures
At the end of each semester, I like to take a class photo of my students in order to remember our experience together. Some students hate it but at least I have a visual memory 🙂 So here are my
Empathy vs Sympathy
Here is a wonderful video animation about the difference between empathy and sympathy by Dr. Brene Brown.
Paper Presentation at SSAP
For the last three years, the Society for the Study of Africana Philosophy has been an intimate space for me to grow intellectually and get academic support from black philosophers I respect. So many people have been apart of the
Gender, Sexuality, & Hip-Hop Conference (A look Back)
Words can not explain the wonderful and inspiring time I had at the Gender, Sexuality, and Hip Hop conference at Tulane University last weekend. I learned so much and met some awesome people. You can read the paper I presented
Comedian, Aamer Rahman brilliantly breaks down reverse racism
In this stand up bit, comedian Aamer Rahman brilliantly explains reverse racism. And I completely agree with him.
My Students and I Meet Michelle Obama
This week my students and I were invited to BET studios to be a part of the studio audience of a live show dedicated to Michelle Obama. Her main focus was on explaining her 2020 Education Initiative as well as
Philosopher’s Cocoon Conference (Report)
A few weeks ago I presented at the first annual Philosopher’s Cocoon philosophy conference at the University of Tampa. Philosopher’s Cocoon is a community that seeks to help, assist, and support young career philosophers. I had the opportunity to meet
In My Classroom…
In my intro philosophy course our theme has been “Justice” this semester. My students just finished Nancy Hirschmann’s “Subject of Liberty” where she argues how the negative and positive liberty of women are restricted and infringed upon in cases of
Riverside Church 40th Year of Fighting for the Incarcerated
This past weekend, Riverside church celebrated 40 years of fighting for and with prisoners and those formerly incarcerated. I took a few of my students to their Friday event where actor Hill Harper (who has a new book called “Letters
My New Article: Why Women Are Not Taken Seriously In Sports Conversations
I have a new article up on HuffPost called “Why Women are Not Taken Seriously In Sports Conversations”. To answer the question, I rely on Miranda Fricker’s concept of “epistemic injustice” and also offer up some solutions to end this
Weekend Criminal Justice Conference Review
This past weekend, I attended two criminal justice conferences. One was at York college, sponsored by the Black Male Initiative. There I attended my good brother, Paul Butler’s brilliant lecture on “A hip-hop theory of justice” as well as a
My Appearance on HuffPost Live: “Fusion Forum: This week news affecting minorities”
HuffPost Live has a Fusion Forum, where guests comment on this week’s news affecting minorities. Today I was on the panel and talked about NYC election, Alabama sorority exclusion, and Julia Chen asian eye plastic surgery.
New Article: 10 Thoughts on Tyler Perry and Bishop Jakes, Evangelicals, and Money
Check out my new article at HuffPost, “10 Thoughts on Tyler Perry and Bishop Jakes, Evangelicals, and Money”. Below is an excerpt. 8. If a church is the best looking and biggest site in an urban neighborhood I find that
Feminism is…
The Power of Empathy (Video)
Philosopher and author Roman Krznaric explains how we can help drive social change by stepping outside ourselves. It is a wonderful talk on the power of empathy.
The Truth About Dishonesty (Video)
Here in another animated speech, Dan Ariely, one of the world’s leading voices on human motivation and behaviour, talks about cheating. This is a great talk and it may change the way you think about cheating and dishonesty.
The Science of Persuasion (Video)
I love animated speeches. This one here provides scientific explanation on the power of persuasion. It kind of reminds me of the book, “How to win friends and influence people.” Good info to know.
Behind Bars: Life Behind Prison Panel (Pics and Audio)
I had the opportunity to participate on a panel about life in prison recently. The event was sponsored by New America NYC and The Atavist. The panel included: GARY RIVLIN: Investigative Reporting Fellow, The Nation Institute SABINE HEINLEIN: Author, Among
John Jay Website Faculty Highlight
I was recently highlighted in John Jay College website about a few things Ive done this summer. You can check out the actual article here.
Creating A Summer Seminar in Philosophy
I created a summer seminar in philosophy for adjudicated and formerly incarcerated adults at John Jay College. The experience was amazing and fulfilling. Read more for the syllabus, resources, and lots of pics and videos from the experience.
My articles on Privilege and Sex Scandals
I published two articles in the last few days. There is an article up at Salon.com in which I analyze why privilege is so hard to give up. I also have another one at the Huffpost on the reasons we
Philosophy Classes with High School Students
This summer I had the opportunity to teach a critical thinking/ethics course to High school students. For the month of July I taught philosophy everyday to students of Upward Bound at Columbia University. It was fun challenging them, exposing them
God, the Environment, & and Our Irresponsibility (According to Louis CK)
Some may find this Profane but the message is brilliant: We have everything we need on this earth, but we’ve found ways to mess it all up. Good Work Louis CK. Good Work.
The Different Faces of Rebellion (My New Article)
I have a new article up on the Huffington Post. In it I argue: We should be careful not to dismiss subtle forms of fighting oppression, for they are no less valuable than street fights and mass strikes. Just as
White Rage (My Appearance on HuffPost Live)
I was on HuffPost Live Monday to discuss race, white anger, and white privilege. You can take a peek at the segment below along with Marc Lamont Hill, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, Joe Walsh, and John Nolte.
106 and Park Trayvon Martin Special (My Appearance: Video)
I appeared as a guest on 106 and Park yesterday to discuss the Trayvon Martin case. Below are video clips from the segments I participated in. Full Show
106 and Park Trayvon Martin Special Pics
I appeared as a guest on BET 106 and Park Trayvon Martin Special this week. Below are pics. We had an insightful dialogue. Hoping nothing like this happens again and moral & public change soon come.
Paula Deen and Racism: Some Questions
After hearing all the intricacies tied up in the whole Paula Deen Fiasco, my mind didn’t really start thinking about the case deeply until news reported yesterday that the Food Network dropped her. I began to think about some of
Separate Church and State: The Hit Song (Video)
There is no doubt in my mind that church and state need to separate. There is good rationale behind it. Plus isn’t it written in our constitution? Well not exactly, argues Garrett Epps in the Atlantic but the idea of
Why I Need Feminism? Cambridge Students (and Myself) Respond
This post comes directly from Life Neurotic, where Cambridge University students were asked why they need Feminism. In what follows are a few of my favorites and also a few of my own responses.
TEXTnology In The Classroom
I had the opportunity to participate and present at the Teaching Technology Institute at Long Island University last week. My presentation was entitled “TEXTnology In The Classroom” and I shared how I use texting to enhance learning in my philosophy
Fun at Free University
I had a great time at Free University this weekend. Free university is an organization committed to offering free and open education in parks and public spaces. Sessions are taught by activists, experts, and professors. Saturday’s event was held in