John McWhorter, a distinguished Columbia University linguistics professor and prominent public intellectual, is set to receive the prestigious 2025 Richard Dawkins Award. The accolade will be personally presented by renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins during the Scopes Trial Centennial conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking a significant moment for the recipient. McWhorter expressed profound honor at the recognition, particularly given Dawkins's direct involvement.
The Richard Dawkins Award, established in 2003, is annually bestowed by the Center for Inquiry (CFI), an organization dedicated to promoting reason, science, and secular values. It recognizes individuals from the fields of science, scholarship, education, or entertainment who publicly champion secularism, rationalism, and the pursuit of scientific truth. The recipient is personally approved by Richard Dawkins, who often presents the award himself, adding significant weight to the honor.
John McWhorter serves as an Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, where his academic work focuses on language change, creoles, and the evolution of English. Beyond academia, he is a prolific author and commentator, regularly contributing to the New York Times and hosting the "Lexicon Valley" podcast. His extensive engagement in public discourse on language, race, and culture aligns with the award's emphasis on rational inquiry and critical thought.
McWhorter's recent social media post, stating, > "This happened. It was an honor to be given the Richard Dawkins award BY RICHARD DAWKINS!", underscored the personal significance of the event. According to the Center for Inquiry, McWhorter further elaborated on his gratitude, remarking, "I am touched and grateful to receive this award, given that it is inspired by someone who has been central since my childhood to teaching me how to think, modelling a combination of sincere humanism with unflinching lucidity." This highlights the intergenerational impact of Dawkins's intellectual contributions.
The Richard Dawkins Award has a history of honoring influential figures who have significantly contributed to the advancement of secular and scientific thought. Past recipients include a diverse group of notable intellectuals and communicators such as philosopher Daniel Dennett, activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, actor Stephen Fry, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and comedian Ricky Gervais. McWhorter's inclusion among these esteemed individuals further solidifies his standing as a leading voice in promoting reason and critical thinking in contemporary society.