How to Think Like a Woman

1. Philosophy's historical bias has marginalized women's voices.

Philosophers have been some of the most consistent and fruitful contributors to theories of women’s inferiority, treating topics traditionally studied by women, such as parenting, caregiving, and other aspects of domestic life, with little interest, while the white male point of view is dramatized in countless thought experiments.

Systemic exclusion. The field of philosophy has historically been dominated by white men, leading to the marginalization and dismissal of women's intellectual contributions. This bias is evident in the lack of representation of women in philosophical texts, journals, and academic positions. The author's personal experience in graduate school highlights the subtle and overt ways in which women's intellects are questioned and undermined.

Perpetuation of stereotypes. Many prominent philosophers have contributed to theories of women's inferiority, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and limiting women's opportunities. Topics traditionally associated with women, such as caregiving and domestic life, are often devalued or ignored in philosophical discourse. This creates a climate that is unfriendly and sometimes hostile to women.

Need for inclusivity. The author argues that it is crucial to challenge the dominance of this biased perspective by incorporating feminist philosophy, critical race theory, and Queer theory into mainstream philosophical education. By acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices within the field, philosophy can become more inclusive and representative of diverse voices and experiences.

2. Early feminist philosophers challenged prevailing misogyny.

I discovered that in a time when women were forbidden to study at universities and male philosophers wrote extensively about the intellectual shortcomings of the female mind, these women pushed back.

Defying societal norms. Despite facing significant obstacles, early feminist philosophers like Mary Astell, Damaris Masham, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Catharine Cockburn challenged the prevailing misogynistic views of their time. These women pushed back against the notion that women were intellectually inferior to men and advocated for women's right to education and intellectual autonomy.

Highlighting double standards. These early feminists exposed the hypocrisy of philosophers who promoted Enlightenment ideals of freedom and equality but failed to extend those ideals to women. They argued that women were capable of intellectual greatness and deserved the same opportunities as men to contribute to society.

Rediscovering lost voices. The author's rediscovery of these forgotten philosophers provides a powerful counter-narrative to the traditional history of philosophy. By bringing their voices back into the conversation, we can gain a more complete and nuanced understanding of the development of feminist thought.

3. Astell advocated for women's intellectual autonomy through education.

For since GOD has given Women as well as Men intelligent Souls, why should they be forbidden to improve them?

Challenging societal expectations. Mary Astell, a 17th-century philosopher, argued that women should be educated so they can pursue personal happiness and contribute to society. She criticized the frivolous pursuits and limited opportunities afforded to women, advocating for a more rigorous intellectual training.

Proposing an all-women's college. Astell's most radical idea was the establishment of an all-women's college where women could escape the intellectually hobbling world of men and cultivate their minds in a supportive environment. This college would provide a space for women to unlearn the dictates of men and regain their freedom.

Connecting reason and religion. Astell believed that study was essential to religion, because religion was nothing “without a good Understanding.” She argued that God gave humans reason and bodies to serve a purpose, which included regulating the passions. Once a person is in control of her desires, she must look to her nature to discover her talents, which were an indication of God’s expectations for her life.

4. Masham emphasized the importance of love and social connection in knowledge.

If we lov’d not the Creatures, it is not conceiveable how we should love God.

Rejecting isolation. Damaris Masham, a contemporary of Astell, argued against the notion that women should retreat from the world to be morally good. She believed that knowledge of oneself and the world is the consequence of being social and forming loving attachments.

Love as a path to knowledge. Masham held that human cognitive development begins with seeking pleasure, which God implanted in us to direct us to the good. Our pursuit of pleasure propels us to attach to other people and things of creation, knitting together an understanding of our universe with love and curiosity.

Mothers as transmitters of love. Masham saw mothers as playing a vital role in setting children on the path of inquisitive engagement with the world. She believed that mothers who had a rigorous education would raise smart sons who would one day be responsible for successful governance.

5. Wollstonecraft sought to dismantle societal structures that oppress women.

I will go further, and affirm, as an indisputable fact, that most of the women, in the circle of my observation, who have acted like rational creatures, or shewn any vigour of intellect, have accidentally been allowed to run wild.

Challenging Rousseau. Mary Wollstonecraft, an 18th-century philosopher, challenged the prevailing views of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued that women were destined to be ruled by men. Wollstonecraft believed that women were capable of reason and should be educated to be independent thinkers.

Advocating for women's rights. Wollstonecraft argued that women should have the same rights as men, including the right to education, employment, and political participation. She believed that women's oppression was a result of societal structures and institutions that limited their opportunities and potential.

The feminist imagination. Wollstonecraft's philosophy emphasized the importance of the feminist imagination, which allows women to envision a world where they are free from oppression and can live fulfilling lives. She believed that this vision could inspire women to challenge the status quo and create a more just and equitable society.

6. Personal experiences shape philosophical perspectives.

Gradually it has become clear to me what every great philosophy so far has been: namely, the personal confession of its author and a kind of involuntary and unconscious memoir; also that the moral (or immoral) intentions in every philosophy constituted the real germ of life from which the whole plant had grown.

Subjectivity in philosophy. The author's journey highlights the importance of personal experience in shaping philosophical perspectives. The challenges and frustrations she faced as a woman in academia led her to question the dominant narratives within the field and to seek out alternative voices and perspectives.

Connecting personal and political. The author's exploration of early feminist philosophers reveals how their personal experiences of oppression informed their philosophical ideas. By connecting the personal and the political, these philosophers were able to develop powerful critiques of societal structures and advocate for social change.

Authenticity in thought. The author's story underscores the value of authenticity in philosophical inquiry. By embracing her own experiences and perspectives, she was able to develop a more nuanced and meaningful understanding of the world.

7. The pursuit of intellectual freedom can be a solitary and challenging path.

O happy Solitude, may I / My time with thee, & some good books employ!

Isolation and self-reliance. The author's journey highlights the challenges of pursuing intellectual freedom, particularly for women who are often excluded from traditional academic spaces. The author's decision to leave her graduate program and strike out on her own reflects the need for self-reliance and the willingness to embrace solitude in the pursuit of knowledge.

Internal and external obstacles. The author's story reveals the internal and external obstacles that women face in their pursuit of intellectual autonomy. These obstacles include self-doubt, societal expectations, and the lack of support from mentors and colleagues.

Finding strength in solitude. Despite the challenges, the author finds strength and inspiration in her solitary pursuit of knowledge. By immersing herself in the works of early feminist philosophers, she discovers a path back to herself and a renewed sense of purpose.

8. Recognizing and challenging internalized misogyny is crucial for women's empowerment.

I had internalized the misogynist notion that because none of them were being taught, none of them were worth looking into.

Internalized oppression. The author's story reveals the insidious ways in which misogyny can be internalized, leading women to doubt their own abilities and devalue the contributions of other women. The author's initial dismissal of feminist philosophy and her belief that she had to conform to male standards of intellectual rigor reflect the power of internalized oppression.

Challenging self-doubt. The author's journey involves a process of recognizing and challenging her own internalized misogyny. By confronting her self-doubt and embracing her identity as a woman thinker, she is able to reclaim her intellectual authority and find her voice.

Breaking free from societal expectations. The author's story underscores the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one's authentic self. By rejecting the notion that women must conform to male standards of success, the author is able to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for herself.

9. Community and mentorship are vital for intellectual growth.

And when I wou’d pleasant and merry be, / It is but thinking what my GOD has done for me.

The power of connection. The author's story highlights the importance of community and mentorship in fostering intellectual growth. The support and encouragement she received from her parents, her friends, and the early feminist philosophers she studied helped her to overcome self-doubt and pursue her intellectual passions.

Finding allies. The author's experience underscores the need for women to find allies and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. These allies can help women navigate the challenges of academia and other male-dominated fields and to develop their intellectual potential.

Creating supportive spaces. The author's story suggests the importance of creating supportive spaces where women can share their ideas, challenge traditional norms, and empower one another. These spaces can provide a refuge from the hostile climate that women often face in academia and other professional settings.

10. The female gaze offers a unique perspective on philosophical questions.

The natural and unprejudic’d Sentiments of your Minds being handsomly express’d, may carry a more strong conviction than the Elaborate Arguments of the Learned.

Challenging objectivity. The author's story challenges the notion of objectivity in philosophy, arguing that all perspectives are shaped by personal experiences and social contexts. By embracing the female gaze, we can gain a more nuanced and complete understanding of philosophical questions.

Revaluing emotions. The author's journey highlights the importance of emotions in shaping our understanding of the world. By acknowledging and valuing emotions, we can develop a more holistic and authentic approach to philosophical inquiry.

Expanding the scope of philosophy. The author's story suggests that philosophy should not be limited to abstract theories and logical arguments but should also address the lived experiences of individuals and communities. By expanding the scope of philosophy, we can make it more relevant and accessible to a wider audience.

11. The struggle for women's intellectual equality continues.

I was raised to believe the shape of my life would be different from the shape of my grandmothers’ and my mother’s lives: if anything held me back professionally, it wouldn’t be my sex or gender.

Ongoing challenges. The author's story underscores the fact that the struggle for women's intellectual equality is far from over. Despite progress in recent decades, women continue to face significant challenges in academia and other professional fields.

Need for continued vigilance. The author's journey highlights the need for continued vigilance in challenging sexism and promoting inclusivity. By remaining aware of the subtle and overt ways in which women are marginalized, we can work to create a more just and equitable society.

Hope for the future. Despite the challenges, the author's story offers hope for the future. By embracing our identities as women thinkers, challenging traditional norms, and supporting one another, we can create a world where all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full intellectual potential.

Last updated: February 25, 2025