Women Philosophers Volume II: Entering Academia in Nineteenth-Century America

This book explores the career development and influence of the first twenty women to earn a PhD in philosophy in the United States, examining the factors that led them to pursue academic philosophy, the ideas they developed, and their impact on the academic and social worlds. It also highlights the policies and practices that made it difficult or impossible for others to succeed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the intellectual journeys of the first twenty women to secure a PhD in philosophy in the United States, shedding light on their career trajectories and profound impact on American intellectual life. Through in-depth case studies, author Dorothy Rogers explores the factors that drove these remarkable women to pursue careers in academic philosophy, examines the groundbreaking ideas they developed, and assesses the lasting influence they had on the academic and social realms they inhabited.

Many of these women were active participants in professional academic circles, contributing their insights to esteemed academic journals and engaging in critical philosophical discussions of the time. These discussions ranged from the profound question of free will to the intricate relationship between God and self and the quest for establishing a just society.

While some of these women achieved remarkable success by securing their degrees at institutions that were supportive of their academic pursuits, a handful of them defied societal expectations and achieved professional distinction at institutions that initially refused to recognize their achievements. John Hopkins and Harvard are notable examples of such institutions that eventually acknowledged the contributions of these women.

However, it is important to note that not all women who pursued careers in academic philosophy found success. Many of these women who did not develop careers in academic philosophy often transitioned to careers in social welfare or education. Thus, this book also examines the policies and practices that hindered or prevented others from achieving similar academic success.

Through its comprehensive exploration of the intellectual histories of these pioneering women, this book offers valuable insights into the barriers and challenges faced by women in the field of philosophy. It serves as a testament to their resilience, determination, and intellectual prowess, and serves as a catalyst for further discussions and efforts to promote gender equality in academia.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350070875