Diversity Reading List

New online resource that aims to combat under-representation of particular groups and encourage an increase in the demographic diversity of the subject.

Team Members : Simon Fokt, James Collin, Jie Gao

Abstract

Background: The Diversity Reading List is a new online resource for teaching Philosophy that aims to combat under-representation of particular groups and encourage an increase in the demographic diversity of the subject. This project involves collecting high quality texts in philosophy, written by authors from under-represented groups and promotes the use of their work in teaching. The website encourages and enables teachers and lecturers to easily find and use these texts in their syllabi and reading lists. This greatly benefits students as it diversifies their knowledge and helps to breakdown the stereotype of the white male philosopher, encouraging all students to continue engaging in the subject, regardless of group membership. Currently the list mainly represents authors who identify as women and racial or ethnic minorities and focusses mainly on ethics and aesthetics.

Aims: We are now seeking funding to enable us to expand into the subject areas of Epistemology, Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Mind.

Methodology: The project will demonstrate the commitment that both the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences and the University of Edinburgh have to creating an enriching learning environment for its students. It will also present them as a forerunner in promoting equality and diversity in academia. As the project is an online initiative and will be promoted widely, the impact of the project will in fact reach far beyond Edinburgh, benefitting staff and students across the English speaking world. Whilst the benefits will initially be felt in Philosophy, this project could easily be adapted to any subject.

Final Project Report

You can download the final project report below.

Final Report (PDF)