Victor Abundez-Guerra at Fresno City College; Virtue Signaling & Structural Injustice

[Wes McMichael]

Fresno City College Philosophy Lecture, hosted by the Department of Philosophy:

Virtue Signaling & Structural Injustice

Victor F. Abundez-Guerra, Ph.D. (CSU Bakersfield)

Friday, March 3, 4:30-6:00pm

Fresno City College

Old Administration Building, Room 251

SUMMARY: Virtue signaling is the practice of conspicuously displaying one’s alleged virtue for the sake of improving one’s moral standing. It is not difficult to see why those who frequently engage in such displays, virtue signalers, are often thought of as irritating. In recent years, however, philosophers have debated whether virtue signaling and signalers are more than just annoyances. I add to this growing literature by focusing specifically on cases of virtue signaling online, especially social media. In these cases, I argue that virtue signaling can often lead to slacktivism.

While virtue signaling is a tool that could be used for good, it is also relatively new, powerful, and dangerous. It should not be completely disavowed, however, since bad faith actors can then weaponize the term. It must be used cautiously.

ASL interpreter available

PARKING: Parking lot K is recommended, located just north of the Old Administration Building. Parking in lot K and all other lots is free.

Sponsored by Fresno City College and by donations to The Philosophy Lecture Series account with the SCCCD Foundation.