Early Christian Women

The author explores how genre shapes the characterization of early Christian female philosophers in different works, highlighting the differences between narrative and dialogic sources. They argue that narrative sources tend to eschew secular education, while dialogic sources are open to displays of secular knowledge. These female philosophers were seen as models for imitation by both women and men, emphasizing their femininity as a significant aspect of their identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The author delves into the profound impact of genre on the characterization of early Christian female philosophers across various works. Through a series of case studies, the author highlights three notable women: Thecla, Macrina the Younger, and Monica, who appear in both narrative and dialogic texts. By examining these examples, the author demonstrates that narrative sources tend to steer clear of secular education, while dialogic sources exhibit a willingness to embrace secular knowledge. Moreover, philosophy was not merely viewed as a way of life but also as a mode of educated argumentation. Furthermore, the author argues that these female philosophers were held up as models for imitation by both women and men, emphasizing their femininity as a distinguishing feature.

The author delves into the profound impact of genre on the characterization of early Christian female philosophers across various works.

Through a series of case studies, the author highlights three notable women: Thecla, Macrina the Younger, and Monica, who appear in both narrative and dialogic texts.

By examining these examples, the author demonstrates that narrative sources tend to steer clear of secular education, while dialogic sources exhibit a willingness to embrace secular knowledge.

Moreover, philosophy was not merely viewed as a way of life but also as a mode of educated argumentation.

Furthermore, the author argues that these female philosophers were held up as models for imitation by both women and men, emphasizing their femininity as a distinguishing feature.

Weight: 116g
ISBN-13: 9781009045889