On Cancelling and Repair; Hegel and Colonialism

An essay by Mary Peterson and an event on Hegel's disturbing views

Dear all,

This is our final Sunday Newsletter of the year, as our Autumn event season concludes this week with an exciting event on Hegel and Colonialism. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anthony Morgan and Michael Bavidge for giving me the chance to work with The Philosopher over the past eighteen months. I began my placement as an Assistant Editor when The Philosopher was seeking new volunteers, and I was entrusted with the role of Editor-in-Chief for the past six months. It has been a wonderful experience and a significant responsibility. Unfortunately, I now need to hand over this role to other members of the management team, as I must focus on completing my studies and writing my dissertation in the coming year. While I will remain a supporter and occasional volunteer for The Philosopher, I encourage anyone reading this to consider joining the professional team that works tirelessly to deliver such outstanding public philosophy. I can assure you it will be a uniquely rewarding experience. If you’re interested, keep an eye on your inbox this coming week for our call for volunteers.

I won’t take up more of your time and hope you enjoy this week’s offerings in our usual Sunday Newsletter.

Your Sunday Read
“On Cancelling and Repair”
An essay by Mary Peterson

How can universities address sexual misconduct while fostering justice for survivors and fair accountability for perpetrators? Mary Peterson critiques the tensions between abolitionist and carceral feminisms, using examples like Colin McGinn’s reflections on “cancellation” to explore entitlement and the challenges of restorative justice. Arguing for meaningful repair led by perpetrators, Peterson warns against institutional "himpathy" that often prioritizes perpetrators' comfort over victims’ needs. This essay reimagines justice in philosophy, urging accountability and a commitment to creating spaces where all can thrive. You can read it here.

Monday Event: 11am PT/2pm ET/7pm UK/8pm CET
“Hegel and Colonialism”
Daniel James, Karen Ng, Franz Knappik, and Jamila Mascat with Andrés Saenz de Sicilia

How are central themes in Hegel’s philosophy—freedom, personhood, and the dialectic of lordship and bondage—entangled with his troubling views on colonialism, slavery, and race?

In his later work, Hegel offers assessments that legitimise colonialism in the Americas, African enslavement, and British rule in India. This conversation between leading Hegel scholars examines the impact of these views on his broader system and asks: Can critical theory disentangle Hegelian insights from these connections or revise them to “save Hegel from himself”? You can find out more and register here.

N.B. This event will be 75 minutes long.

Event Recording

Ending
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Wishing you all a lovely Sunday, whether it’s a weekend where you live or a workday. I also hope you enjoy a wonderful festive season with your loved ones and find time to rest if these days are holidays in your country.

Maryam Aghdami
Managing Editor