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Person Trap: A Genealogically Informed Critique of a Key Moral Concept

Jan 30, 2026   3:00 - 5:00 pm  
Lecture
Sponsor
Department of Philosophy
Contact
Trish Barker
E-Mail
tlbarker@illinois.edu
Originating Calendar
Campus Humanities Calendar

In her book Unbecoming Persons: The Rise and Demise of the Modern Moral Self, philosopher Ladelle McWhorter (U. of Richmond) describes the agony of trying and failing to be a good person. In a globalized capitalist economy, personhood makes unfulfillable demands. She will discuss the history and power of personhood to shape our ethical lives, including the possibility that we might lead ethical lives without being persons.

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