Feminist Theory: A Philosophical Anthology

Feminist Theory: A Philosophical Anthology addresses seven philosophically significant questions regarding feminism, its central concepts of sex and gender, and the project of centering women’s experience. The volume’s well–chosen essays contemplate the nature of sexist oppression; the sex/gender distinction; how gender–based norms influence conceptions of rationality, knowledge, and scientific objectivity; feminist ethics; feminist perspectives on self and autonomy; whether there exist distinct feminine moral perspectives; and what would comprise true liberation. With its introductory overview illustrating the development of feminism as a philosophical movement, this book can serve as a useful text in any philosophy course as well as a stand–alone text for a course in feminist theory.

Acknowledgments. Introduction. I. What is Feminism? . Introduction. 1. Of the Pernicious Effects Which Arise From the Unnatural Distinctions Established in Society: Mary Wollstonecraft. 2. The Subjection of Women: John Stuart Mill. 3. Introduction from The Second Sex: Simone de Beauvoir. 4. Theory of Sexual Politics: Kate Millett. 5. Black Women: Shaping Feminist Theory: bell hooks. II. What is Sexism? . Introduction. 6. Sexism: Ann E. Cudd and Leslie E. Jones. 7. Oppression: Marilyn Frye. 8. Five Faces of Oppression: Iris Marion Young. 9. On Psychological Oppression: Sandra Bartky. III. What is Gender? . Introduction. 10. Pre–theoretical Assumptions in Evolutionary Explanations of Female Sexuality: Elisabeth A. Lloyd. 11. Natures and Norms: Louise M. Antony. 12. Subjects of Sex/Gender/Desire: Judith Butler. 13. Gender and Race: (What) Are They? (What) Do We Want Them to Be?”: Sally Haslanger. IV. Is Knowledge Gendered? . Introduction. 14. The Man of Reason: Genevieve Lloyd. 15. Feminist Epistemology: An Interpretation and a Defense: Elizabeth Anderson. 16. Can There Be a Feminist Science?: Helen E. Longino. 17. Rethinking Standpoint Epistemology: What is "Strong Objectivity”?: Sandra Harding. V. Is Value Gendered? . Introduction. 18. The Need for More Than Justice: Annette C. Baier. 19. An Ethic of Care: Joan Tronto. 20. Vulnerability and the Moral Nature of Dependency Relations: Eva Feder Kittay. 21. Feminist Contractarianism: Jean Hampton. 22. Women and Cultural Universals: Martha C. Nussbaum. VI. What is a Self? . Introduction. 23. Autonomy and Identity in Feminist Thinking: Jean Grimshaw. 24. Autonomy, Social Disruption, and Women: Marilyn Friedman. 25. Forgetting Yourself: Anita L. Allen. 26. Outliving Oneself: Susan Brison. VII. What Would Liberation Be? . Introduction. 27. Conclustion from The Second Sex: Simone de Beauvoir. 28. Difference and Dominance: On Sex Discrimination: Catharine A. MacKinnon. 29. Toward a Humanist Justice: Susan Moller Okin. 30. Feminism, Utopianism, and the Role of the Ideal in Political Philosophy: Drucilla Cornell. Index. .

Ann E. Cudd is Professor of Philosophy and Director of Women’s Studies at the University of Kansas. She is co–editor of Theorizing Backlash: Philosophical Reflections on the Resistance to Feminism (with Anita Superson, 2002). Robin O. Andreasen is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Women’s Studies at the University of Delaware. Her work has been featured in many journals including The British Journal of Philosophy of Science , Philosophy of Science , and Biology and Philosophy .

“This excellent collection of foundational and groundbreaking readings in feminist philosophy displays the impressive breadth of feminist contributions to the field. A fine reader for introductory as well as more advanced courses.” Marilyn Friedman, Washington University “An invaluable survey of philosophical responses to central questions in feminist theory. The editors’ crystal–clear introductions and astute choice of readings offer the professor an unusual degree of pedagogical flexibility.” Louise M. Antony, Ohio State University