PULSE

Philosophy

philo=love sophy=wisdom

philosophy=love of wisdom

what are the different branches of philosophy

1. Metaphysics

2. Epstemology

3. Ethics

4. Logic

5. Aesthetics

explain epstemology

how we know things (what can be known, what the difference between knowledge and belief)

Explain metaphysics

big questions asking about the ultimate points of humanity (what does it mean to exist, what does it mean to be on this earth)

religion

a group of people who share a set of beliefs (called doctrines or dogmas) and follow certain rules or regulations about how to live and worship.

explain theology

study of god (queen of humanities)

explain spirituality

A personal, unstructured way of connecting to something greater than yourself.

logic means

do things make sense (to question our own thoughts)

How does Remen distinguish between helping, serving, and fixing?

Helping – Involves unequal power dynamics where one person feels more capable than the other. The helper may feel important, but it can become repetitive, robotic, and even dismissive, sometimes causing harm instead of healing.

Fixing – Sees the other person as broken and in need of repair. It focuses on problems, not people, and can make others feel like they are something to be fixed rather than valued.

Serving – Is based on equality and connection. The person serving is present, empathetic, and sees the wholeness in others. Serving is humane and allows for mutual learning and growth between both people.

Why is Socrates described as a midwife and a gadfly?

Socrates as a Gadfly:
Plato called Socrates a gadfly because, like a fly that keeps pestering a horse, Socrates annoyed and challenged the people of Athens with his constant questioning

Socrates as a Midwife:
Socrates also called himself a midwife because, just like a midwife helps bring new life into the world, he helped others “give birth” to their own ideas through questioning.

What did the letter published by eight, white clergymen in Birmingham hope to accomplish?

They believed his demonstrations were “unwise and untimely” and were causing tension and trouble in the city. The clergymen wanted to urge King to stop the protests

What charges did the Birmingham clergy make against MLK?

The Birmingham clergymen made several charges against Dr. King in their statement:

1. He was an outsider – They said he had no right to come to Birmingham, since he didn’t live there.

2. His actions were “unwise and untimely” – They thought the protests came at the wrong time and would cause more problems than solutions.

3. He was causing violence – Even though the marches were peaceful, they claimed his actions stirred up trouble and led to violence.

4. He was an extremist – They suggested his ideas and methods were too extreme instead of moderate or patient.

What were the responses MLK gave to the charges against him? 

1. Charge: He was an “outsider.”

King’s Response:

• He explained he was invited to Birmingham by the local Christian movement that worked with his organization (SCLC).

• He said he was there because “injustice is here.”

• He compared himself to biblical prophets and Paul, who traveled to spread God’s message beyond their hometowns.

• He argued that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
  → Meaning, no one in America can be considered an outsider when fighting for justice.

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2. Charge: His actions were “unwise and untimely.”

King’s Response:

• He said people always told Black Americans to “wait,” but “wait” has almost always meant “never.”

• He explained that freedom is never given voluntarily by the oppressor—it must be demanded by the oppressed.

• He believed that now is the time to act, because “justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

• He said nonviolent pressure is necessary to push for real change since those in power rarely act without it.

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3. Charge: He was causing violence.

King’s Response:

• He said it’s unfair to blame peaceful protestors for the violence that others commit against them.

• He compared it to blaming a robbed man for being robbed or blaming Jesus or Socrates for the violence done to them.

• He argued that nonviolent protest doesn’t cause tension—it exposes the hidden tension already present in society.

• Society should protect the oppressed, not punish them for demanding their rights.

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4. Charge: He was an extremist.

King’s Response:

• At first, he felt hurt by being called an extremist.

• Then he realized there are good kinds of extremism—for love, justice, and truth.

• He compared himself to Jesus, Amos, Paul, Martin Luther, and Abraham Lincoln, who were also called extremists for their causes.

• He said he stands between two extremes in the Black community:

  • The complacent who accept segregation

  • The violent nationalists who promote hatred

• King’s “middle way” was nonviolent love and peaceful protest.

What three criticisms did MLK make of the white clergymen in return?

1. They cared more about order than justice – They criticized protests instead of the racism that caused them.

2. They told him to “wait” – MLK said waiting meant never getting justice, and “justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

3. They were silent or too cautious – He was disappointed that white church leaders didn’t stand up boldly against injustice and just wanted peace without real change.

Why did MLK think it was necessary to create "constructive nonviolent tension" in order to effect change? How can tension help to change people's perspectives?

MLK believed that creating “constructive nonviolent tension” was necessary because it forces people to face problems they would rather ignore. Peaceful tension makes people uncomfortable, which pushes them to see injustice and take action to fix it.

He thought this kind of tension could open people’s minds and change their perspectives, helping them understand that staying silent or comfortable allows unfair systems to contin

What was the occasion for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom?

was held to demand equal rights and economic opportunities for Black Americans.

It marked the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, yet MLK and others wanted to show that Black people were still not truly free because of racism, segregation, and poverty.

So, the march’s goal was to call attention to injustice and push for civil rights and fair jobs for everyone.

What is MLK’s view on physical force related to the cause of equal rights?

MLK believed that physical force should never be used in the fight for equal rights.

He taught that the movement must stay peaceful and nonviolent, using love, courage, and moral strength instead of anger or hate. He believed nonviolence is the most powerful weapon because it can change hearts and minds without causing more harm or injustice.

What are some of the oppressions against black Americans that MLK lists?

• Segregation – Black people were still separated and treated unequally in schools, housing, and public places.

• Discrimination – They faced unfair treatment in jobs, laws, and daily life because of their race.

• Poverty – Many Black Americans lived in poverty even while the rest of the country was growing rich (“a lonely island of poverty in a vast ocean of prosperity”).

• Exclusion from society

What does MLK use to illustrate his dream?

MLK illustrates his dream by using images of slavery, the nation, and the future.

• He reminds people of slavery and injustice to show how far the country still needs to go.

• He talks about the nation living up to its promise of equality and freedom for all.

• He uses his dream for his children and future generations — that they will be judged by their character, not their skin color — to show hope and faith in a better America.

For whom does MLK ultimately want freedom? 

MLK ultimately wants freedom for everyone.
He wants Black Americans to be treated equally and live freely, but also wants white Americans to be freed from the hatred and guilt passed down from their ancestors. His dream is for all people—Black and white—to be free together in justice and brotherhood

How has the AI boom affected the demands on the power grid due to data centers?

The AI boom makes data centers use a lot more power, which means we need more energy from power grids. Since most of that energy still comes from fossil fuels, it causes more CO₂ to be released into the air and adds to climate change.

How well-regulated are data centers used for AI?

Data centers used for AI are not very well regulated right now. Big tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Google say they invest in clean energy, but those projects are often far away from where their data centers actually use electricity. This means their actions don’t always help local power grids or reduce local pollution

1. How are some AI data centers a continuation of environmental racism of the past?

Some AI data centers continue environmental racism because they are often built in or near low-income or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities—the same areas that have faced pollution for decades.

These communities end up suffering from the noise, heat, and air pollution caused by the data centers, while wealthier areas get the benefits of technology. So, just like in the past, marginalized people are still the ones paying the price for “progress.”

What are the effects of the Grok chatbox on the town of Boxtown, TN?

The Grok data center in Boxtown, TN pollutes the air with gas turbines that don’t have proper filters. This causes more asthma and health problems for people who live there. Since Boxtown is mostly Black and low-income, the pollution is another example of environmental racism.

What does Burnett say about AI and its relationship to books?

Burnett says that AI is changing how books are made, because now books can be written quickly using prompts instead of taking years of human work and thought. He worries that the real question isn’t whether AI can write books, but whether people will still want to read books made by machines instead of ones written by humans with real experience and emotion.

What does Burnett mean when he says the math can “do” us?

When Burnett says the math can “do” us, he means that artificial intelligence and algorithms can start to shape or control us, rather than just serve as tools we control.

it doesn’t just help us anymore — it can start to influence how we think, act, and create.

How has AI brought us to a new consciousness of ourselves, and how will that usher in a new season of hope for people? 

Burnett believes AI has made us more aware of ourselves by showing how much of what we do — thinking, writing, creating — can be imitated or extended by machines. This makes us reflect on what truly makes us human. At the same time, it brings hope, because AI reveals how vast and open our future can be. If we use it thoughtfully, it can help us see new possibilities for creativity, knowledge, and connection.

How does Goldstein view the relationship between science and philosophy?

Goldstein sees science and philosophy as partners. As scientific knowledge expands, it brings new philosophical questions — like the idea of the multiverse and what it means for our understanding of reality. For her, science and philosophy work together to help us better understand both the universe and ourselves.

What does a philosophical framework allow you to study, according to Goldstein?

According to Goldstein, a philosophical framework allows you to study how to think critically, question your beliefs, and understand the moral and human sides of life. It gives you different ways to interpret the world and helps you become a more thoughtful, responsible person.

What are some ways Goldstein argues that philosophy has grown and changed (albeit slowly)?

Goldstein says philosophy has grown by becoming more inclusive and by connecting more deeply with literature. The rise of women in philosophy has brought new perspectives, and the use of novels as philosophical thought experiments has made philosophy more emotional and creative. She believes this shift has also increased compassion, since stories help people understand others’ experiences and feelings, leading to greater moral awareness and empathy.

Why does Goldstein think everyone should study philosophy?

Goldstein thinks everyone should study philosophy because it helps people think critically, understand themselves and others, and make more thoughtful moral choices. She believes philosophy makes the world a better and more compassionate place, since it teaches us to question, reflect, and care about what’s right and wrong in our actions and society.

Why do people have an aversion to the word “philosophy,” according to Holiday?

According to Holiday, people dislike the word “philosophy” because it sounds daunting and overly complicated,

Why does he claim philosophy is an allocation hack?

(“allocation hack” means a clever shortcut for managing your energy and attention.)

philosophy helps you spend your time and mental energy on what really matters — the things you can control — instead of wasting it on things you can’t.

So, philosophy becomes a tool that teaches you to:

• Let go of what you can’t change (like traffic, weather, or other people).

• Focus on what you can control (your choices, actions, and attitude).

It’s like a mental life hack

Why does Holiday argue that true philosophy is always practical?

Holiday says real philosophy isn’t just about theories or fancy words — it’s about how you live every day. You don’t need a degree or to sit in a class to practice it. True philosophy means applying wisdom in your choices, your behavior, and how you handle life’s challenges. It’s about staying calm, kind, and balanced even when life is stressful.

What are some of the universal human experiences he gives that we all need philosophical reflection?

Holiday gives examples of universal human experiences — things everyone faces — to show why we all need philosophical reflection. He says philosophy helps us deal with:

• Life’s difficulties and unpredictability — because we can’t control everything that happens to us.

• A materialistic world — where people chase success, money, or status, philosophy reminds us what truly matters.

• The fact that “stuff happens” — we all face loss, stress, change, and things beyond our control.

What are the reasons Burton suggests people who don’t believe in God should still study theology?

Burton says people who don’t believe in God should still study theology because it builds empathy and helps us understand what drives human history, culture, and behavior. It’s about learning to see the world through others’ perspectives and understanding how faith has shaped humanity.

Why is theology declared to be the “Queen of the Humanities” by Burton’s professor?

Burton’s professor calls theology the “Queen of the Humanities” because it brings together many different areas of knowledge — history, philosophy, language, and culture. He says theology is the closest thing we have today to a study that looks at all parts of human culture. In other words, theology connects everything that makes us human and helps us understand how people think, believe, and live

What is the role of empathy Burton sees in the study of theology?

Empathy helps us study theology not with faith, but with understanding — it’s about seeing the world through others’ eyes it lets us understand people’s beliefs and experiences from the inside.

what are the six paths

1. path of disbelief

2. Path of independence 

3. Path of disbelief 

4. path of return

5. path of exploration

6. Path of confusion

name one pro and one con of path of belief

Belief in God has always been part of their lives 

Pro:

1. faith gives meaning to both the joys and struggles of life

2. Faith means you are never alone (companionship)

3. Faith is an anchor 

Con:

1. inability to understand people on other paths and temptation to judge them

2. Remains stuck in childlike view of God prevents them from growing in faith

name one pro and one con of path of independence

to seperate themselves from organized religion, but they still believe in God

Pro:

1. can see things in a fresh way, usually things their religious community needs 

Con: 

1. perfectionsims that sets up any organized religion for failure (tries to find where they fit in and finds nothing cause wants to find the perfect fit)

name one pro and one con of path of disbelief

god may or may not exist 

pro:

1. allows for intellectual honesty (don’t pretend to believe something)

2. It gives freedom

Cons:

1. may struggle to find purpose or moral grounding

2. may lead to despair or emptiness 

name one pro and one con of path of return

life in a religious family but drift away from their faith for a bit but then something reignites their faith

Pros:

1. religious growth (unlike path of belief)

2. sense of belonging again

Cons:

1. it can feel akward and hard to return after being away

2. people might struggle with doubt or guilt about about leaving first place

name one pro and one con of path of exploration

people who are curious and open-minded, but they explore different religions or spiritual ideas to find meaning.

pros:

1. Encourages learning, openness, and empathy toward other beliefs.

2. Helps people grow personally and see the world in new ways.

cons:

1. Can lead to confusion or indecision if someone never settles on what they believe.

2. Might feel unstable or uncertain, without a clear direction or faith home.

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name one pro and one con of path of confusion

people who feel unsure, lost, or conflicted about what they believe.

Pros:

1. It’s honest — confusion is a natural part of spiritual growth.

2. Can lead to deeper reflection and eventually more clarity or understanding.

con:

1. Can feel frustrating or isolating not knowing what to believe.

2. Some people may give up on searching altogether if it feels too overwhelming.

What does Martin mean by saying, “But God often speaks in ways that are beyond our intellect or reason, beyond philosophical proofs?” 

• Faith requires openness, not just logic.

• God’s messages often come through everyday people, moments, or “signs” that you might overlook if you’re waiting for something more obvious.

• You have to embrace his presence beyond reason — through trust, awareness, and faith rather than needing physical proof.

What other ways does Martin argue that God communicates with humans?

1. through other people and community (through love, kindness)

2. through everyday experiences God of surprises (unexpected, ordinary)

Where is Socrates and what is he doing at the opening of the Republic?

At the beginning of The Republic, Socrates is walking back to Athens from the Piraeus after watching a festival. He’s stopped by Polemarchus and some others, who invite (and kind of insist) that he come to their house for a gathering, where the conversation of the Republic begins.

Polemarchus is the son of cephalus whose house is where the dicussion is about to take place

Who is Cephalus and how does he define justice as 

a rich old man son is polemarchus 

defines justice as: telling the truth and paying your debts 

who is Polemarchus and how does he define justice as 

son of cephalus

defines justice as: do goof to your friends harm to enemies and if your enemies harm you, do them worse cause no just person would harm anyone

who is thrasymachus and how does he define justice as 

name means fierce fighter

he is a Sophist — a type of professional teacher in ancient Greece who taught people how to argue and speak persuasively, often for money

defines justice as: justice is the advantage of the stronger meaning those in power decide what is just to benefit themselves (might makes right)

injustice is actually stronger and more profitable than justice

In the Republic, whose argument is the most compelling about the definition of justice? Why do you find it compelling (even if you don't agree with it)?

I would say thrasmachus has the most compelling argument because in todays world this is what we mostly see people i feel like, obvisouly those who are just will follow the path of justice and work hard and earn what they have the correct way but those who are injust and commit in justices get all the benefits because they get there faster and may be happier faster and such without really deserving to be there. Does that make them stronger i dont think so I think the just are stringer but more profitable yes because you could get away with it

Whose argument does Glaucon (and Adeimantus) take up, and what motivates them? 

they took up thrasymachus arguement to challenege socrates, because at this point socrates wants to move on from topic and is tired of arguing back and forth

who is galucon and ademiantus

brothers of plato

What is the origin and nature of justice, according to Glaucon?

it began as a social agreement because people wnated to protect themselves from being hurt. Suffering injustice is terrible so they made laws and agreements to avoid harm

What is the ring of Gyges and why does Glaucon tell it?

myth: a man who finds a magical ring inside a cave (on a strange body). When he turns the ring, it makes him invisible — so no one can see or punish him for what he does.

Using this power, he sleeps with the queen, kills the king, and takes over the kingdom.

why he tells story:

Glaucon tells this story to test what people are really like when there are no consequences. He argues that if anyone — even a good person — had a ring like this, they would eventually do unjust things because they could get away with it.

His point is that:

• People are just only because they fear getting caught or punished.

• If there were no consequences, everyone would act unjustly, just like the man

What is Glaucon’s argument about the just and unjust person – who have the opposite consequences of their behaviors?

Glaucon argues that the unjust person often has a better life — wealth, power, and a good reputation — while the just person may suffer, be poor, or be seen as bad. He says people praise justice but don’t actually want it; they only act just to look good or avoid punishment.

Why does Socrates describe a city in order to define justice?

Socrates decides to start over from the beginning and build a city from scratch because it’s easier to see justice on a larger scale first.

1. Describe the healthy city and the luxurious city.

healthy city:

where everyone only does the job they’re  best at like farmer, weaver, and builder, simple and balanced city 

Feverish City: A rich, luxurious city where people want more land and stuff, which causes greed and war.

Warriors/Guardians: Brave protectors who must be gentle to their people but fierce to enemies—like well-trained dogs.

Guardian Traits: Smart, caring, strong, and athletic.

Censorship: Socrates says their music and stories should be controlled so they grow up disciplined and good.

Three Classes:
🥇 Gold – rulers (complete guardians)
🥈 Silver – soldiers (auxiliaries who protect the rulers)
🥉 Bronze – workers (farmers, builders, etc.) who live normal lives.

What is the role of censorship in the city as it is purged?

Censorship keeps the Guardians from being exposed to bad influences, injustice, or immoral stories. Socrates wants to protect their minds so they grow up to be good, disciplined, and loyal citizens instead of being tempted by greed or corruption.

Who are the city’s guardians? And how should they be educated? 

The Guardians are the strongest, smartest, and most loyal people in the city — like well-trained soldiers who protect everyone. They are chosen from the best of the group.

How should they be educated?
They should be trained in music (to shape their minds and character) and gymnastics (to strengthen their bodies).
This mix teaches them to be balanced — brave and strong, but also gentle and wise.

What is the Noble Lie? Know it’s two parts. 

Noble lie:

a myth or story told by rulers to help keep the city united and stable. it helps everyone accept their role in society (a white lie)

Two Parts:
1⃣ The Earth-Born Myth: Everyone is told they were born from the same mother Earth, so all citizens are brothers and sisters — this creates loyalty and unity.

2⃣ Each soul has a metal — gold (rulers), silver (soldiers), bronze (workers). so everyone can accept their place and trust everyone is where they belong for the good of the city 

What are the four cardinal virtues? 

1. justice 

2. courage 

3. moderation

4. wisdom

How does Socrates suggest justice is found in the city?

Everyone does their own job well and doesn’t meddle in others’ work — that creates harmony and justice. (Mind your own business)

Which virtue correlates to the different classes of the city? 

Gold = Wisdom
🥈 Silver = Courage
🥉 Bronze = Temperance (self control)

What are the three aspects of the person’s soul? 

Which virtue correlates to the different aspects of the person’s soul? 

courage:

part of chest/heart area, which helps head 

Wisdom:

stays in mind 

Desire:

stays down in the no no area

How does Socrates define justice (finally) in Book 4?

mind your own business, if everyone does their job and stays in their lane we are all good 

What does this definition of justice say about the definition of injustice?

if justice is minding your own bussiness injustice is when people do not do their proper job and cause chaos 

explain the analogy of the cave

People are chained in a dark cave, only able to see shadows on the wall cast by objects behind them. They think the shadows are real because it’s all they’ve ever known.
One prisoner is freed and leaves the cave — at first, the sunlight hurts his eyes, but eventually he sees the real world and understands the truth.
When he goes back to tell the others, they don’t believe him and want to stay with the shadows.

what is happening in the cave

People are chained facing a wall, only able to see shadows of objects behind them. They believe the shadows are the only reality because they’ve never seen anything else.

How does one prisoner end up leaving

One prisoner is freed and slowly turns toward the light. At first, the brightness hurts his eyes, but he eventually adjusts and sees the real objects — not just their shadows.

what happens once he is freed? what does the sun represent

Outside the cave, the prisoner sees the real world and finally understands truth and reality.
The sun represents the ultimate truth

why does the prisoner return “does he have a duty?

He returns to the cave to help free the others and share what he’s learned.
Yes — Socrates says philosophers have a duty to return and guide others toward truth, even if it’s difficult.

How is the freed prisoner received?

The others don’t believe him and mock or reject what he says. They are afarid of the truth

AI

_____:  is the simulation of uman intelligence in machines programmed to think, learn, and problem solve 

environmental racism

_____ ____: when people of color or low income communities are unfairly affected by pollution or environmental hazards

ethics 

_____: the study of what is right and wrong, how people should act 

injustice 

_____: when something is unfair or people are treated unequally 

intersectionality

______: the idea that different parts of a person’s identity (like race, gender, class) overlap and can cause unique experiences of discrimination or privilege

justice 

_____: fairness and eqaulitiy- giving everyone what they deserve and need 

ontology 

______: the study of being or existence- asking what is real or hwta does it mean to exist 

revelation

_____: when something hidden or unknown is reveled, often used in religion to mean God revealing truth to humans 

socratic irony

_____ ____; a teaching style from socrates- pretending not to know something to get others to think deeper and find answers themselves 

targeted programs 

____ ____: programs made for specific groups of people who need extra help or resources 

targeted universalism

____ ___: a policy that aims for a universal goal for everyone but uses different strategies to help specific groups reach that goal 

universal programs 

_____ ____: programs that are the same for everyone, no matter who they are 

solidarity

______: standing together with others- supporting people who face injustice or struggle 

What is the difference between direct oppression and structural oppression, according to Young?

direct oppression- intentional and obvious- when a ruling group or tyrant uses power or force to control another group

structural oppression- built into systems and insitution people often do not even realize it is happening cause it feels normal or just the way things are suppose to be

How does Young define justice and injustice?

young speaks upon the criteria for recoginizing when a group is opressed 

1. exploitation 

2. marginalization- Pushing people to edge of society treating them like they dont belong 

3. powerlessness 

4. culutral imperlism- when one culture is treated as better and others are seen as less than

5. violence

• if any of these exist in a society there is injustice

• jjustice is removing all these five forms of oppression so people can lively freely 

What are the five faces of oppression that Young identifies?

1. explotiation

2. marginalization

3. powerlessness 

4. cultural imperialism

5. violence 

explain and give one example of marginalization

when people are pushed to the edge of society and treated as less important. they are often excluded from jobs, education, and decision making 

ex: LGBTQ being excluded from community events and decision making spaces

explain and give one example of exploitation

when one group uses another group’s work or resources for their own benefit. People are taken advantage of, and their hard work helps others get rich

ex: underpaid workers making products for big companies that profit 

explain and give one example of powerlessness

when people have little control over lives or can’t influence descisions that affect them. they must follow rules made by other and lack respect or authority 

ex: low wage workers who have no say in their work conditions  

explain and give one example of violence 

when people face harm or fear attack just because of who they are 

ex: hate crimes or harassment against certain groups 

explain and give one example of cultural imperialism

when one group’s culture is seen as normal or better and others are ignored or sterotyped 

ex: beauty standards in media only showing white thin women making otherrs feel less beautiful 

Why is serving better than helping or fixing?

Serving is better because it sees both people as equal and connected — it’s a partnership.

When we serve, we honor the other person’s wholeness and strength.

When we help or fix, we see the person as weak, broken, or needing us, which gives power to us instead of sharing it.

🩷 Serving = equal and connected.
💔Helping/fixing = one above the other.

What are the four stages of spiritual growth for Christians in relation to the poor according to Nolan?

Compassion → Conversion → Solidarity → Action for Justice

what do the four stages of spiritual growth result in?

COMPASSION:

1. when we feel concern or pity for the suffering of the poor.
   💭 It’s an emotional response that opens our hearts.
   🪴 Result: We begin to care about injustice and want to help.

CONVERSION

2. something changes inside us — we start to see life through the eyes of the poor.
   💭 It’s a shift in perspective, a spiritual awakening.
   🪴 Result: We start to identify with the poor, not just feel sorry for them.

3. SOLIDARITY 

we move from sympathy to standing with the poor.
💭 It’s about joining their struggle for justice and equality.
🪴 Result: We act alongside the poor, not above them — it’s partnership, not charity.

ACTION FOR JUSTICE 

4. when faith leads to real action — changing systems that cause poverty and oppression.
   💭 It’s love turned into commitment and social change.
   🪴 Result: We work to transform the world, not just relieve suffering.

whose name does crenshaw recite at the start?

She says the names of Black women who were killed by police, like
Michelle Cusseaux, Tanisha Anderson, Aura Rosser, Meagan Hockaday, India Kager, Sandra Bland, and others.

💭 She recites their names to show how Black women’s stories are often forgotten — people say the names of men (like Eric Garner or Michael Brown) but not women.

Why was Emma DeGraffenreid’s lawsuit against General Motors dismissed?

🧑🏽‍🏭 Who was Emma DeGraffenreid?

She was a Black woman who applied for a job at General Motors (GM) in the 1970s.
GM didn’t hire her, and she noticed something important:

• GM hired Black men for factory jobs, and

• GM hired white women for secretary or office jobs,
  but they didn’t hire any Black women at all.

So she said:

“You’re discriminating against me because I’m both Black and a woman.”

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⚖ What did the court say?

The court said:

“You can’t combine race and gender into one claim.”

They only looked at her case in separate parts:

• For race, they compared her to Black men and said, “GM hires some Black people — no race discrimination.”

• For gender, they compared her to white women and said, “GM hires some women — no gender discrimination.”

So the court dismissed her case, saying GM didn’t discriminate — even though no Black women were being hired at all.

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💭 What Kimberlé Crenshaw realized:

Crenshaw said the problem was that the court couldn’t see how race and gender overlap — that being a Black woman isn’t just being “Black” + “woman,” it’s a unique experience of discrimination.

That’s why she came up with the word “intersectionality” —
to explain how different forms of discrimination (like racism and sexism) can intersect and create a double disadvantage.