Dr. George Yancy is a renowned philosopher, writer, and public intellectual known for his profound insights into race, identity, and the human condition. As a professor of philosophy and a widely published author, Dr. Yancy tackles challenging questions about the intersections of race, philosophy, and society. His work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, where he has sparked critical conversations on issues such as whiteness, systemic oppression, and the transformative power of courageous speech.

In this episode, Dr. Yancy delves into the essential questions of philosophy and its relevance to our daily lives. He shares his personal journey into philosophy, inspired by his childhood wonder about life’s big questions, and reflects on how philosophy defamiliarizes the familiar, helping us see the world through fresh eyes. Dr. Yancy also discusses his perspective on philosophy as a practice of suffering, grappling with existential uncertainties, systemic injustices, and human vulnerability.

We explore the relationship between philosophy and education, including the need for a pedagogy that validates students’ lived experiences while challenging them to think critically about the world. Dr. Yancy critiques the traditional frameworks of philosophy, often shaped by privilege, and emphasizes the importance of African-American philosophical thought as a corrective to hegemonic perspectives. This episode is a thought-provoking discussion on how philosophy can guide us in addressing societal injustices, fostering intellectual growth, and creating meaningful human connections.