Angela Davis

“Notorious Philosopher … Angela Davis”

Green and Radford-Curry

Additional Discussion Notes to Unit Highlights

1. p.301 paragraph #2 three areas of essay – Critical Theory, Black Liberation Theory and Feminist Theory.

2. p.302 paragraph #1 – meaning of critical theory – precept of the 1930s, the intent of philosophy is not simply to criticize the world, but to change it – in particular in this essay is changing the negative perception of “race,” accordingly critical race theory – read further in this same paragraph and name what areas for Davis impact changing (transforming) the negative perception of “race,” _______________________________

3. p.303 paragraph #1 identify those persons that Marcuse thought could be change-makers for critical race theory ____________________________

4. p.303 paragraph #2 What current day application can you think of regarding Marcuse’s discussion of solidarity in critical … quo. ____________________________________

5. p.304 paragraph #1 Who is Marcuse speaking of as the “most advanced ….” that should be the leaders of critical race theory? ________________________________________

6. p.304 paragraph #3 What is Marcuse’s sense of a “free society _______________________________________________________________________

7. ps.305-307 discuss Davis education – elementary, high school, college and graduate school What speaks to you most? ____________________________________

8. p. 307 paragraph #2/3 Identify the events that conflicted with Davis continued graduate studies and her passion for activism _______________________________________

9. p.308 paragraph #1 What philosophers influenced Davis? ______________________What dies dialectics and sexism means _____________________________ and how was her activism impacted by sexism_________________________________________________________

10. p.308 paragraph #2/3 Why was there an attempt to fire Davis from her first job and what were the specific legal problems ___________________________________________

11. p.308-9 paragraph #2/3 What made Davis an internal figure and what is her connection to FSU? ________________________________________________________________

12. p.310 paragraph #2/3 What philosophical issues does Davis address in her autobiography and what areas of political activism are of concern to her?________________________________________________________________

13. p.311 top page quote – what are your thoughts about this quote? ___________________________________________________________________

14. p. 311 paragraph #1 what factors (isms) make a difference for black women? ________________________________________________________________

15. p.312 paragraph #1 what isms impact capitalism for Davis ___________________

16. p.313 paragraph #1 what is pragmatism and what does it mean for Davis? ________________________________________________________________

17. p314 – 319 . … Black Liberation Theory – what are the key idea/analysis in Davis lectures on “The Life and … Douglass” Much of this is repeat from our discussion of Douglass Unit along with Davis’ essay. ____________________________________

18 p. 319 “….Feminist Theory” – what isms impact black women and feminist thought? _____________________________________________________________