Kwame Anthony Appiah Awarded Kluge Prize for Achievement in the Study of Humanity

Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah has been named the recipient of the prestigious John W. Kluge Prize for Achievement in the Study of Humanity, awarded by the Library of Congress. The $500,000 prize recognizes significant contributions in fields not encompassed by the Nobel Prizes. Appiah, a professor of philosophy and law at New York University, is celebrated for his extensive work on ethics, language, nationality, and race, having authored over a dozen influential books. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, praised Appiah’s philosophical contributions as “elegant, groundbreaking, and highly respected.” Timothy Frye, a member of the Library’s Scholars Council, commended Appiah for his ability to navigate both academic and public discussions on complex issues such as privilege and power. Frye noted the impressive breadth of topics Appiah has explored, highlighting the philosopher's unique approach to intertwining rigorous academic inquiry with accessible public discourse. In a recent interview, Appiah attributed his diverse interests to the encouragement of influential figures like Henry Louis Gates Jr. and British philosopher Dorothy Emmet, who inspired him to apply his analytical skills to a wide range of subjects. He emphasized that while his training in philosophy informs his work, the questions he addresses extend beyond traditional philosophical boundaries. Alongside the monetary award, the Library of Congress plans to create programming themed “Thinking Together” to showcase Appiah’s impactful scholarship to the public.