The Forgotten Philosopher: Mary Midgley and the Domestication of Philosophy
2025-02-16
Mary Midgley, a 20th-century philosopher, wrote a radio script in the 1950s, "Rings and Books," exploring the male-dominated nature of philosophical history and its impact on philosophy itself. Rejected as "trivial," it resurfaced decades later. Midgley argued that philosophers' lifestyles influence their views, with the male-dominated tradition neglecting female and family experiences, leading to limitations. Using Descartes as an example, she highlighted his isolated approach, overlooking the importance of human relationships. Midgley's ideas resonate with contemporary feminist philosophy, emphasizing the social and contextual nature of knowledge, challenging traditional objective views.
(aeon.co)