Anthony Neal

Anthony is currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mississippi State University. As a philosopher, Anthony is particularly concerned with understanding the problems that surround the stratification of human existence. In order to create a foundation from which to reflect on these problems, Anthony has focused his research in the areas of philosophy of religion, political philosophy, Africana studies, and humanistic inquiry. He has also taken a particular interest in the writings, poetry, and sermons of Howard Washington Thurman, who spent much of his career in an attempt to understand the possibilities of all humans living together peaceably, the necessity of this coexistence, and upon what common ground this coexistence can be found. Anthony has found that mystic traditions (i.e. neo-Platonism) within philosophy offer great support for the realization of many possibilities for living a good life in spite of the stratification of human existence; however, Anthony remains critical of the ability of these traditions to provide answers for situations that necessitate an immediate solution when the loss of life or the loss of humanity is imminent. In light of this critique, it is his contention that the literature that arises from the modern era of the African American Freedom Struggle (1896-1975) goes a long way towards filling in the gaps.