Charles W. Mills' The Racial Contract is praised for its incisive critique of Western philosophy and its emphasis on race as a fundamental element of social contract theory. Critics commend its insightful analysis and accessible prose. However, some find its arguments repetitive and its focus narrow. Overall, it is a significant contribution to discussions on race and social justice.

Readers fascinated by sociopolitical theories, racial dynamics, and critical race studies would appreciate The Racial Contract by Charles W. Mills. Those who engaged with Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow or Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me will find Mills' work thought-provoking and compelling in its critique of systemic racism.

The Racial Contract by Charles W. Mills argues that the original social contract is actually a Racial Contract, an agreement among European/white men to establish and maintain white supremacy, subordinating and exploiting non-European/nonwhite people globally and locally. Mills engages mainstream contract theorists, providing historical evidence of how white supremacy structures society, and emphasizes the accurate perceptions of nonwhite people about these injustices.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Unnerving / Mysterious

- Charles W. Mills was a Jamaican philosopher who moved to the United States and became an influential figure in social and political philosophy, with The Racial Contract being among his most prominent works.
- The Racial Contract was published in 1997 and has been recognized for its critical examination and reinterpretation of John Locke's and Jean-Jacques Rousseau's social contract theories.
- The book has been praised for bridging gaps between disciplines, being used in discussions in philosophy, political science, sociology, and even ethnic studies for its interdisciplinary approach.

Charles W. Mills

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Overview

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The Racial Contract Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Racial Contract Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1: “Overview”

Chapter 1 The Racial Contract Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2: “Details”

Chapter 2 The Racial Contract Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3: “’Naturalized’ Merits”

Chapter 3 The Racial Contract Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

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Themes

The Racial Contract Themes

Index of Terms

The Racial Contract Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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The Racial Contract

Before You Read

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