What should be the philosophical basis for African American Studies? In this groundbreaking book, Ferguson addresses a seminal question often ignored. Ferguson explores philosophical issues and problems in their relationship to Black Studies. He shows that philosophy is not a sterile intellectual pursuit, but a critical tool in gaining knowledge about the Black experience.
Cultural idealism in various forms has become enormously influential as a framework for Black Studies. Ferguson takes on the task of demonstrating how a Marxist philosophical perspective offers a productive and fruitful way of overcoming the limitations of idealism. Focusing on the hugely popular Afrocentric school of thought, Ferguson's engaging discussion shows that the foundational arguments of cultural idealism are based on a series of analytical and historical misapprehensions. In turn, he argues for the centrality of the Black working class – both men and women – to Black Studies.
