why are there are only few women philosphers in the history?
and why aren't they given that much attention compared to men philophers?
2007-03-22 00:59:24 · 6 answers · asked by darkwiz 0 1 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
Women were not educated in the same way men were for most of history, so it's understandable that there weren't as many female philosophers. Furthermore, the intellectual accomplishments of women were often undervalued (to say the least!) so many female philosophers' work was not considered important. Considering the odds against them, it's amazing that we have a record of any women in the field at all. For a great list of women philosophers from the ancient times to the dawn of the 18th century, go to:
http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/9974/old.html
It's a fun list--enjoy!
2007-03-22 01:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by Yogini108 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The truth probably lies between the extemes expressed in these responses. Feminism plays so fast and loose with facts that their history isn't to be trusted, but on the other hand, it's simply a bad interpretation of any generalization about diverse populations of men and women to imply that all members of one population have a trait more than all members of the other. There are enough women in abstract fields like philosophy, theoretical physics, and mathematics to disprove this. Though the distribution may be resistant to equalization without oppression.
___Testosterone is correlated with violence, and innovation is violence committed on the status quo. It may be correlated with risk-taking, too, and innovation involves risk. This might account for some of the disparity in numbers.
2007-03-22 23:07:41 · answer #2 · answered by G-zilla 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Never forget that it takes a great woman to make a great man." I have never seen any evidence of this; if it is true, the reverse could be said for a "great woman."
Seriously, where does one come up with this stuff?
In any event, the reason is basically because women just don't (or haven't) focus/focused on philosophical matters. Most of the females I see are concerned with relationships and appearances; most of the males I see are concerned with "things". Gender identity as defined by society also probably has something to do with it.
That said, they exist; male philosophers just seem to have made public "big" ideas or philosophies concerning many different subjects (Although Ayn Rand did come up with Objectivism...).
2007-03-22 08:20:12 · answer #3 · answered by Robinson0120 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps looking a little deeper at all the great male philosophers, you will find a great woman who gave them guidance. Never forget that it takes a great woman to make a great man. Thank you and may GOD bless.
2007-03-22 02:56:55 · answer #4 · answered by cookie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Women do not have philosophical minds like men do. Philosophy requires focused rationality about abstract ideas. Women are more guided by emotions and "feelings". They would rather go shopping or gossip with their friends than think about the deep questions of human existence. They're so cute.
2007-03-22 01:38:55 · answer #5 · answered by devil's advocate 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋
For Centeries woman were not considered equals and their intellect was shunned amoungst the accedemics (sic). I'm sure there were many, but they remained quiet.
2007-03-22 01:10:20 · answer #6 · answered by Bella-El 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋