A History of Women Philosophers

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxxviii

   PDF

2. Murasaki Shikibu

   • Mary Ellen Waithe

   Pages 1-26

3. Hildegard of Bingen

   • Elisabeth Gössmann

   Pages 27-65

4. Heloise

   • Mary Ellen Waithe

   Pages 67-83

5. Herrad of Hohenbourg

   • Joan Gibson

   Pages 85-98

6. Beatrice of Nazareth

   • Cornelia Wolfskeel

   Pages 99-114

7. Mechtild of Magdeburg

   • Joan Gibson

   Pages 115-140

8. Hadewych of Antwerp

   • Cornelia Wolfskeel

   Pages 141-165

9. Birgitta of Sweden

   • Cornelia Wolfskeel

   Pages 167-190

10. Julian of Norwich

    • Elizabeth N. Evasdaughter

    Pages 191-222

11. Catherine of Siena

    • Cornelia Wolfskeel

    Pages 223-260

12. Oliva Sabuco de Nantes Barrera

    • Mary Ellen Waithe

    Pages 261-284

13. Marie le Jars de Gournay

    • Beatrice H. Zedler

    Pages 285-307

14. Roswitha of Gandersheim, Christine Pisan, Margaret More Roper and Teresa of Avila

    • Mary Ellen Waithe

    Pages 309-317

15. Back Matter

    Pages 319-349

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aspirations, the rise of western monasticism was the most note­ worthy event of the early centuries. The importance of monasteries cannot be overstressed as sources of spirituality, learning and auto­ nomy in the intensely masculinized, militarized feudal period. Drawing their members from the highest levels of society, women's monasteries provided an outlet for the energy and ambition of strong-willed women, as well as positions of considerable authority. Even from periods relatively inhospitable to learning of all kinds, the memory has been preserved of a good number of women of education. Their often considerable achievements and influence, however, generally lie outside even an expanded definition of philo­ sophy. Among the most notable foremothers of this early period were several whose efforts signal the possibility of later philosophical work. Radegund, in the sixth century, established one of the first Frankish convents, thereby laying the foundations for women's spiritual andintellectual development. From these beginnings, women's monasteries increased rapidly in both number and in­ fluence both on the continent and in Anglo-Saxon England. Hilda (d. 680) is well known as the powerful abbsess of the double monastery of Whitby. She was eager for knowledge, and five Eng­ lish bishops were educated under her tutelage. She is also accounted the patron of Caedmon, the first Anglo-Saxon poet of religious verse. The Anglo-Saxon nun Lioba was versed in the liberal arts as well as Scripture and canon law.

• anthropology
• epistemology
• ethics
• freedom
• knowledge
• metaphysics
• philosophy
• symbolism
• truth

• University of Minnesota, USA

  Mary Ellen Waithe

Policies and ethics