So interesting how Andrew just switched directions in life from reading a few words... it shows the power of the word. Grief is such a strange emotion, a sinking feeling that throws one into a 'swimming at sea' in no particular direction.. I loved the intensity of the interview, but realized that very few women seem to sink themselves into philosophy, or is it because women were prevented from being educated for a particular tract of time in history? That it seemed unseemly? I was astonished by the fact that women in India at one time were considered not to have a soul... and only men in retirement isolated themselves to absorb any kind of spiritual knowledge, unless they were dedicated to being yogis and then isolated themselves fully. Looking into other countries in the world, similar situations occurred.... even as famous artists... how many women had to hide themselves away? ..... they could do needlework, embroidery, stitch and sew, but were they allowed to read? Allowed to paint portraits? Very few became renowned. I was so happy as a child when my father gave me a paintbox as a birthday present. Are there well-known Japanese philosophers? I found one amazing artist who was allowed to paint portraits in the Medici family and in the Spanish Royal family. I found one famous female Kabbalist in Spain, and discovered some ancient Irish famous Law-Givers, Warriors and Chieftains, but rarely hear of well-known female philosophers, perhaps some authors or ancient Greek women? Or am I wrong? Do we hide our philosophy in metaphysical or herbal knowledge, in child-caring and motherhood? In poetry and secrets? Did the witch-hunts burn it out of us all? I am not condemning anyone here by the way, just curious, thinking of the poets and female thinkers who wasted away in prisons or hid themselves in nunneries. Today women study, but there was a period in history where time became barren and stood still for them. I think that is the true 'grief' of womanhood.
To give my own feeling of what philosophy is today: it is not an easy world at all, and women are less easily taken seriously by most people than men. It is unfair, but in some ways philosophy can be very hierarchical. Even the subfields of philosophy are hierarchical. There are theoretical reasons for this, of course, but I think that is only part of the story. Yet it is also true that very few women have proposed something that is both logically and metaphysically strong enough to be discussed on its own (without taking into account contextual elements such as socio-political debate, catastrophe or the suffering of the time). This is certainly not the only way to do philosophy, but in many countries it is the royal road.
There is always hope. Firstly, I am not entirely sure, but it seems to me that contemporary English-speaking philosophy is probably more open to women than in other parts of the world. Secondly, there are far more women in philosophy doctoral programmes than there used to be.
I am so glad to hear this. Also our ways of thinking have evolved from past repression and more women are now able to study science, geopolitical and philosophical,although having said that, regarding science: I have a dear friend who discovered something incredible in he universe but because she was part of a team, her individual contribution was not recognized. Women who wished to study paleontology in the Victorian era had similar experiences. Even in Botany, a woman had to take on a male name and remain hidden to communicate with others in the same field. I think that more women are now interested in esoteric and metaphysical thinking. I think I came in with this, not really able to pinpoint a beginning. I love philosophy from a deep meditation and yogic type view and find that my understanding expands with curiosity into other fields of thinking. There seems to be a definite difference in ways of thinking between men and women and I am not sure if it is guided by our hormones or physical make up. Do you think that our logic is that far removed to not bring to discussion new and intricate thoughts to explore within philosophical boundaries... the language can be quite prohibitive, but anything with boundaries only increases the challenge to break them. Is that not what 'thinking' is all about? ***
Hi Dwina - the idea of the “grief of womanhood” tied to the suppression of women’s intellectual and creative pursuits is an interesting perspective. Grief can be societal and historical, as I argue about the loss of Jerusalem being the catalyst for grief of the speaker in Lamentations, and it’s an intriguing way to think about the loss of potential for so many women throughout history.
Regarding Japanese philosophers, while the major figures, like those from the Kyoto School, were male, there are contemporary female voices emerging in philosophy. Historically, women in Japan, as in many cultures, were underrepresented. However, one of my favourite thinkers is Hiratsuka Haru, or Raicho. She founded the bluestocking society and is certainly worth investing time in, especially her idea of 'the sexed body'.
If you’re interested, there are some prominent female philosophers, like Hypatia, Mary Wollstonecraft, Simone Weil, Phillipa Foot, Martha Nussbaum, Hannah Arendt, Sally Hasslanger, Christina Hoff-Summers, Edith Stein and Simone de Beauvoir, who touch on important areas in philosophy.
Thanks again for your thoughts, and I’m glad you engaged with the interview.
Yes, I have had an interest in Simone de Beauvoir, and indeed Hypatia, but mostly because of her interest in astronomy, geometry, and maths... plus she created an astrolabe for measuring distances between stars, something that was used by Bishop Robert Grosseteste, first time ever in England... who had a lot to do with the training of priests becoming bishops in our home around 1240's! He was a Chancellor of Oxford University. Mary Wollstonecraft was a true feminist in her day but a little over the top in some respects... and appealed to women at the time. However, I would like to learn about any Eastern female philosophers, if they are in translation. Too much time needed to delve into it all but it is something I enjoy. I felt I may have bounced back a bit boisterously, so thank you for your acknowledgment. and the list of others I shall explore.***
Very interesting take and excellent interviewee. I would perhaps suggest Andrew have a look at Berdiaev’s works, if he hasn’t yet. Intrinsically Russian, he is unique in many ways, but will certainly be food for thought in developing Andrew’s existentialism. Have a great journey!
So interesting how Andrew just switched directions in life from reading a few words... it shows the power of the word. Grief is such a strange emotion, a sinking feeling that throws one into a 'swimming at sea' in no particular direction.. I loved the intensity of the interview, but realized that very few women seem to sink themselves into philosophy, or is it because women were prevented from being educated for a particular tract of time in history? That it seemed unseemly? I was astonished by the fact that women in India at one time were considered not to have a soul... and only men in retirement isolated themselves to absorb any kind of spiritual knowledge, unless they were dedicated to being yogis and then isolated themselves fully. Looking into other countries in the world, similar situations occurred.... even as famous artists... how many women had to hide themselves away? ..... they could do needlework, embroidery, stitch and sew, but were they allowed to read? Allowed to paint portraits? Very few became renowned. I was so happy as a child when my father gave me a paintbox as a birthday present. Are there well-known Japanese philosophers? I found one amazing artist who was allowed to paint portraits in the Medici family and in the Spanish Royal family. I found one famous female Kabbalist in Spain, and discovered some ancient Irish famous Law-Givers, Warriors and Chieftains, but rarely hear of well-known female philosophers, perhaps some authors or ancient Greek women? Or am I wrong? Do we hide our philosophy in metaphysical or herbal knowledge, in child-caring and motherhood? In poetry and secrets? Did the witch-hunts burn it out of us all? I am not condemning anyone here by the way, just curious, thinking of the poets and female thinkers who wasted away in prisons or hid themselves in nunneries. Today women study, but there was a period in history where time became barren and stood still for them. I think that is the true 'grief' of womanhood.
To give my own feeling of what philosophy is today: it is not an easy world at all, and women are less easily taken seriously by most people than men. It is unfair, but in some ways philosophy can be very hierarchical. Even the subfields of philosophy are hierarchical. There are theoretical reasons for this, of course, but I think that is only part of the story. Yet it is also true that very few women have proposed something that is both logically and metaphysically strong enough to be discussed on its own (without taking into account contextual elements such as socio-political debate, catastrophe or the suffering of the time). This is certainly not the only way to do philosophy, but in many countries it is the royal road.
There is always hope. Firstly, I am not entirely sure, but it seems to me that contemporary English-speaking philosophy is probably more open to women than in other parts of the world. Secondly, there are far more women in philosophy doctoral programmes than there used to be.
I am so glad to hear this. Also our ways of thinking have evolved from past repression and more women are now able to study science, geopolitical and philosophical,although having said that, regarding science: I have a dear friend who discovered something incredible in he universe but because she was part of a team, her individual contribution was not recognized. Women who wished to study paleontology in the Victorian era had similar experiences. Even in Botany, a woman had to take on a male name and remain hidden to communicate with others in the same field. I think that more women are now interested in esoteric and metaphysical thinking. I think I came in with this, not really able to pinpoint a beginning. I love philosophy from a deep meditation and yogic type view and find that my understanding expands with curiosity into other fields of thinking. There seems to be a definite difference in ways of thinking between men and women and I am not sure if it is guided by our hormones or physical make up. Do you think that our logic is that far removed to not bring to discussion new and intricate thoughts to explore within philosophical boundaries... the language can be quite prohibitive, but anything with boundaries only increases the challenge to break them. Is that not what 'thinking' is all about? ***
Hi Dwina - the idea of the “grief of womanhood” tied to the suppression of women’s intellectual and creative pursuits is an interesting perspective. Grief can be societal and historical, as I argue about the loss of Jerusalem being the catalyst for grief of the speaker in Lamentations, and it’s an intriguing way to think about the loss of potential for so many women throughout history.
Regarding Japanese philosophers, while the major figures, like those from the Kyoto School, were male, there are contemporary female voices emerging in philosophy. Historically, women in Japan, as in many cultures, were underrepresented. However, one of my favourite thinkers is Hiratsuka Haru, or Raicho. She founded the bluestocking society and is certainly worth investing time in, especially her idea of 'the sexed body'.
If you’re interested, there are some prominent female philosophers, like Hypatia, Mary Wollstonecraft, Simone Weil, Phillipa Foot, Martha Nussbaum, Hannah Arendt, Sally Hasslanger, Christina Hoff-Summers, Edith Stein and Simone de Beauvoir, who touch on important areas in philosophy.
Thanks again for your thoughts, and I’m glad you engaged with the interview.
Yes, I have had an interest in Simone de Beauvoir, and indeed Hypatia, but mostly because of her interest in astronomy, geometry, and maths... plus she created an astrolabe for measuring distances between stars, something that was used by Bishop Robert Grosseteste, first time ever in England... who had a lot to do with the training of priests becoming bishops in our home around 1240's! He was a Chancellor of Oxford University. Mary Wollstonecraft was a true feminist in her day but a little over the top in some respects... and appealed to women at the time. However, I would like to learn about any Eastern female philosophers, if they are in translation. Too much time needed to delve into it all but it is something I enjoy. I felt I may have bounced back a bit boisterously, so thank you for your acknowledgment. and the list of others I shall explore.***
Wonderful interview.
Thank you for your words.
Very interesting take and excellent interviewee. I would perhaps suggest Andrew have a look at Berdiaev’s works, if he hasn’t yet. Intrinsically Russian, he is unique in many ways, but will certainly be food for thought in developing Andrew’s existentialism. Have a great journey!
Thank you for your interest and advice to Andrew. Have a great week.
One step ahead, Joao. I am currently reading the destiny of man 👍
Loving this! Can't go wrong with a bit of Marcel and Cioran! Gotta get both out there more especially A Short History of Decay!
Thank you for stopping by!