Women Philosophers on Social Ontology

Contrary to many movements in the history of philosophy, the “Phenomenological Movement” has from its beginnings included numerous female philosophers. They contributed substantially to the phenomenological project by developing outstanding philosophical accounts and addressing problems, which remain relevant until today. Phenomenology’s exceptionally modern outlook, not to let oneself be influenced by traditional authorities, but rather to only receive guidance from ”the things themselves”, allowed its female proponents to achieve a position in the academic world few women could enjoy at the time. From today’s perspective, the most noteworthy issues that some of the prominent female phenomenologists elaborated on fall under the scope of what one would today label social ontology and political philosophy.

The conference will investigate specifically the contribution of women phenomenologists in this field. The program focuses on, but is not restricted to, the following philosophers: Edith Stein, Hedwig Conrad-Martius and Gerda Walther.