The first volume to explore comprehensively the intersection of feminism, politics, and philosophy, Women in Political Theory sheds light on the contributions of women philosophers and theorists to contemporary political thought. With close attention to the work of five central thinkers-Sarah Grimké, Anna Julia Cooper, Jane Addams, Rosa Luxemburg and Hannah Arendt-this book not only offers sustained analyses of the thought of these leading figures, but also examines their relationship with established political theorists of the past, such as Locke, Machiavelli, and the ancients. Demonstrating that each of the figures covered was indeed a political theorist of her time, whilst highlighting the strength of her thought and the reasons for which it has not been accorded the attention that it merits, Women in Political Theory offers a fascinating overview of the political thought of five theorists whose work is central to an understanding of modern thought. As such, it will be of interest to scholars and students of sociology, philosophy, political and social theory, feminist thought, and gender studies.
Biography
Jane Duran is a Lecturer in Black Studies at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California at Santa Barbara, USA. She is author of Women, Philosophy and Literature; Eight Women Philosophers; Philosophies of Science: Feminist Theories; Towards a Feminist Epistemology; Worlds of Knowing; Knowledge in Context; and Epistemics.
’A tour de force handling a complex task. Jane Duran’s insightful explication of the works of five political thinkers, apropos attention to their contemporary political milieus and to current global environments, shows an astute familiarity with existing scholarship. She makes a carefully argued case that these women’s works deserve to be in the canon of political philosophy.’ Therese B. Dykeman, formerly Fairfield University, USA ’Duran’s insightful contribution to political feminist theory adds immeasurably to our appreciation of often-overlooked female philosophers. By placing them in richly-informed contexts of better-known political and philosophical thought, Duran persuasively demonstrates the significance of feminists in addressing today’s compelling challenges. She admirably tackles thorny questions to advance the dialogue, especially whether there even is a female perspective on politics.’ Julie C. Van Camp, California State University, Long Beach, USA 'Women in Political Theory by Jane Duran is a dense body of work that unpacks the contribution of five diverse women to the field of political philosophy. Whilst it may seem like a given that women are active in the discipline in 2014, Duran reminds us that women theorists began putting their thoughts to paper much earlier, and made invaluable inroads regarding the issues that affect women of all demographics today.' LSE Review of Books
