PHL2230 - Feminist Philosophers

Leader: Karen Green

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

The unit focuses on the work of various feminist philosophers writing within very different philosophical traditions, from Christine de Pizan (1365-1430), Margaret Cavendish (1623-73) and Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) to Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) and Luce Irigaray (1930- ). The relationship of their philosophies to those of their male contemporaries will be discussed, as will the implications of their views for contemporary debates within feminism. www.arts.monash.edu.au/phil/undergraduate/

Objectives

Students should achieve a knowledge of the texts and arguments of a range of feminist philosophers whose writings date from the fifteenth century to the present. They should gain a knowledge of the historical development of feminist thought. They should also appreciate the relevance of these texts and
arguments for contemporary debates over the role of women and the family in the state, the relationship
between feminism and deconstruction and feminist critiques of liberalism.

Assessment

Two essays (1750 words): 70%
Examination (1 hour): 30%
One essay may optionally be replaced by a one-hour examination.

Contact hours

2 hours per week

Prerequisites

A first-year philosophy sequence or a 6 point Women's Studies unit.