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Against a Sequestered Philosophy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 April 2018

EYJA M. BRYNJARSDÓTTIR
EYJA M. BRYNJARSDÓTTIR*
Affiliation:
University of Iceland
*
*<eyjabryn@hi.is>
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Abstract

This paper argues that philosophical practice in the Western world, in particular analytic philosophy, suffers from problems that contribute to its lack of diversity in two senses: the exclusion of women and minorities, and a narrow choice of subjects and methods. This is not fruitful for philosophical exchange and the flourishing of philosophical thought. Three contributing factors are covered: a flawed execution when instilling intellectual humility; the gaslighting of women in philosophy; and an overemphasis on a narrow conception of intelligence. The conclusion calls for a more humane and socially aware practice of philosophy.

Cet article soutient que la pratique philosophique dans le monde occidental, en particulier la philosophie analytique, souffre de problèmes qui contribuent à son manque de diversité, et ce, dans deux sens : l’exclusion des femmes et des minorités, et un choix étroit de sujets et de méthodes. Ceci n’est fructueux ni pour l’échange philosophique ni pour l’épanouissement de la pensée philosophique. Trois facteurs y contribuant sont l’objet de la discussion : une pratique défectueuse au moment d’inculquer l’humilité intellectuelle, le «gaslighting» pratiqué à l’endroit des femmes en philosophie et une trop grande importance accordée à une conception étroite de l’intelligence. La conclusion en appelle à une pratique plus humaine et socialement consciente de la philosophie.

Keywords

genderdiversityculture of philosophygaslightingepistemic humility
Type
Special Issue: Philosophy and its Borders
Information
Dialogue: Canadian Philosophical Review / Revue canadienne de philosophie , Volume 57 , Issue 2 , June 2018 , pp. 443 - 464
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Philosophical Association 2018 

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