Kevin Mintz, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, is the winner of the first Anita Silvers Prize.

photo of Kevin Mintz by Ker Than

The Silvers Prize, awarded by The Society for Philosophy and Disability, “is given to the best unpublished (or published within the last two years) English-language philosophical essay in the field of philosophy of disability,” as determined by the Society’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Mintz won the award for his article, “Paying Attention to the Mouse Behind the Curtain: Dilemmas of Disability Justice in a Lawsuit Against Disney,” which was published in Social Theory and Practice in October, 2021.

Here’s the abstract of the article:

Is it possible that justice requires giving people with disabilities like autism sufficient opportunities to pursue a flourishing life by promoting accessibility at theme parks and other places of public accommodation? I explore this question by analyzing the ethical issues at play in a series of disability lawsuits against Disney Parks and Resorts. Drawing on the work of Martha Nussbaum and Chiara Cordelli, I argue that Disney has an obligation of justice to provide these plaintiffs with their requested disability modification. I further articulate how public accommodations other than Disney should accommodate disabled customers, sometimes with government assistance.

The Silvers Prize is named for philosopher Anita Silvers, who died in 2019. The prize is $500.