Phenomenal Blackness: Black Power, Philosophy, and Theory

Phenomenal Blackness explores the interdisciplinary investments of key mid-century Black writers and thinkers, such as the growing interest in German philosophy and critical theory, which led to a phenomenological understanding of Blackness and a "Black aesthetic dimension" for Black liberation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Phenomenal Blackness delves into the intricate connections between 1960s Black thought and German critical theory, shedding light on a neglected tradition of Black singularity. This unconventional narrative meticulously outlines the profound debts that Black thought owes to German intellectual traditions, while also exploring the emergence of a forgotten perspective of Black uniqueness.

Mark Christian Thompson, in his insightful analysis, traces the evolving interdisciplinary engagements of key mid-century Black writers and thinkers. Notably, there is a growing fascination with German philosophy and critical theory among these intellectual figures. Thompson meticulously examines this shift in intellectual focus across the post-war decades, contextualizing Black Power thought within a philosophical framework.

In the pre-1960s era, sociologically oriented thinkers like W. E. B. Du Bois had recognized Blackness as a distinct amalgamation of socio-historical traits. Conversely, writers such as Amiri Baraka, James Baldwin, Angela Y. Davis, Eldridge Cleaver, and Malcolm X were captivated by notions of an African essence, an ontology of Black being. Consequently, literary language emerged as the primary social expression of Blackness. In this new intellectual landscape, the works of philosophers like Adorno, Habermas, and Marcuse became invaluable resources, enabling a continued cultural-materialist analysis while accommodating the hermeneutical dimensions of Black religious thought.

Thompson's argument revolves around the reimagining of Black singularity, a transformative endeavor that yielded a phenomenological understanding of Blackness. He posits that these efforts led to the emergence of a "Black aesthetic dimension," a realm where aspirational models for Black liberation could flourish. Through this lens, Blackness becomes a multi-faceted and dynamic phenomenon, encompassing not only socio-historical characteristics but also spiritual and cultural dimensions.

Phenomenal Blackness is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between Black thought and German critical theory. It challenges conventional narratives and sheds light on the overlooked contributions of Black singularity to the broader intellectual discourse. By delving into the philosophical and cultural dimensions of Blackness, Thompson provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of race, identity, and social justice in the 20th century.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226816418