[SydPhil] University of Sydney Philosophy Seminar Series: Jennifer Mensch

[Ryan Cox]

Hi everyone,

This week’s speaker in the University of Sydney Philosophy Seminar Series is Jennifer Mensch (Western Sydney University).

The title of Jennifer’s talk is “Kant’s Four Examples: On South Sea Islanders, Tahitians, and Other Cautionary Tales for the Case of ‘Rusting Talents.’”. Here’s the abstract for Jennifer’s talk:

In this discussion I start with one of Kant’s most familiar texts, the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, in order to focus on his example of moral failure presented by the person who has chosen an easy path in life; one who has let their ‘talents rust,’ to use Kant’s phrase. I contend that this is an odd example, but once we follow the trail back to Kant’s immediate context, we can begin to make better sense of Kant’s choice to include it. I then identify four subsequent counter examples offered up by Kant during this period, each meant to offer negative portraits of non-Europeans in a manner that can provide further moral instruction for his readers on this point. This is significant insofar as it reveals the way in which Kant’s racism and his urge toward moral guidance were wholly compatible from his own point of view; a conclusion that is not so easily shrugged off in light of any change of heart in the last years of his life, and one which certainly calls into question claims regarding a purported deep contradiction between Kant’s moral and anthropological views.

The talk will take place on Wednesday the 22nd of March at 3:30 p.m. in the Philosophy Seminar Room (N494) in the Quadrangle and will be simulcast via Zoom: https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/88699564848.

The talk will be followed by drinks and informal discussion at the Rose. All welcome!

Enquiries about the seminar series can be directed to ryan.cox at sydney.edu.au<mailto:ryan.cox at sydney.edu.au>

Ryan Cox
Associate Lecturer in Philosophy
Discipline of Philosophy
School of Humanities
University of Sydney
ryan.cox at sydney.edu.au<mailto:ryan.cox at sydney.edu.au>
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