When you google “philosophers” or “famous philosophers” the first people to pop up are Aristotle, Plato, Kant, Socrates, Nietzsche, Descartes, and Locke. This isn’t shocking that they are first because they are known more than most other philosophers, but what is shocking is that when you continue to scroll through googles list, there are only 3 female philosophers listed all of whom are white. What is even more shocking is that when you google “female philosophers” almost all of them are white females.

The issue of diversity in philosophy is not new, but becoming more noticeable. In an article titled "Name Five Women In Philosophy. Bet You Can't.," the author asks for you to consider the diversity in philosophy. I myself could only name 4 off the top of my head, and all were from Greece, India, or France. I couldn’t name a single black female philosopher. So far this semester, we have only talked about 5 female philosophers in total in all 3 of my philosophy classes. The department itself isn't nearly as diverse as it could be yet.

Why am I telling you all of this? Philosophy is important – it examines the way we live, why we live, and how to live. Philosophy sets the standards around what is good and bad. Now, there are female philosophers, black philosophers, African philosophers, Indian philosophers, their problem is simply the lack of attention their ideas and thoughts receive. I see this up close and personal as I deal with it in my classes.

My intention is to bring attention to this issue and encourage my brothers and sisters to get more involved in philosophical theories and ideas. I want us to think about how we can't name 5 female or black philosophers. I want for us to look for their ideas and render them as relevant because philosophy, as I said earlier on, shapes what is wrong and what is right so shouldn't we have a seat at the table?

Next week look for my upcoming article on modern day female philosophers changing the game, and a highlight on some ancient ones too.