The Sceptical Feminist: A Philosophical Enquiry

by Janet Radcliffe Richards

What should feminists be fighting for? In this study Janet Radcliffe Richards demonstrates what she believes to be the precise nature of the injustice women suffer, and sets out to expose as fallacious arguments by which it has been justified. Her analysis leads her to considerable criticism of many commonly-held feminist views, but from it emerges the outline of a new feminism which sacrifices neither rationality nor radicalism.

Genres: Philosophy, Feminism, Nonfiction, Politics, Gender, Womens Studies

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Kaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would consider this book required reading for anyone interested in feminism specifically or skeptical reasoning generally, if for no other reason than that it is an excellent example of how to take a logical approach to whatever positions you hold, feminist or not. What emerges from Richards' work is a feminism that has been picked apart, with the best arguments preserved and the unnecessary ones discarded - in short a more logically rigorous feminism. Her willingness to challenge at face value (instead of dismissing) both opposing arguments to feminism and questionable positions within the movement is both refreshing and important, since "we cannot afford to ignore any evidence; not even when it is produced by the opposition" (p.35) if our philosophy is to be justified.

I only wish there was a more recent addition than 1994, as some of the examples she used and arguments she opposed were a little outdated. However, while I don't agree with every conclusion she draws (she makes a few statements that I think are too sweeping/simplistic), it is the philosophical exercise in which Richards is engaging that is the most powerful contribution of this book. By questioning our assumptions and making sure our arguments are logically sound, those of us who consider ourselves feminists will be better prepared to continue the monumental work of ending sexual injustice.

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third time I've read this book. I read it first in the 1980s, then for a second time some twenty-five years ago. The book sets out to provide rational, philosophical arguments in support of feminism. I like it very much. Some of its reasoning, including on the "natural" and on abortion rights, stayed with me through the twenty-five years since my last reading and clarified my own thinking.

It deserves a detailed, thoughtful review, but I don't think I could provide one without reading it through a fourth time. Is it perfect? No. For one thing, is somewhat dated, emphasizing points no longer as pertinent and giving little coverage to some others that seem more urgent. It's also a rather dense book that required (at least for me!) considerable thought, not a book to skim. Yet I've not encountered anything like it, anything that builds such a rigorous, serious, philosophical defense of feminism. Very good.

4 and a half out of 5 sceptical stars.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

[Pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the best feminist book I've read so far. I love that it not only takes a close look at what feminism is about and what it (should) stand(s) for but also touches the topic of how feminists best achieve their goals and to take into account what kind of opposition they will encouter in their quest for a more just society.
I feel that modern feminist literature focusses way too much on individual experiences and opinions instead of what it really means to be a feminist and the kinds of mistakes feminists frequently make in discussions with others. I am guilty of this myself and am so happy to have found an instructional guide to help me have better, more coherent attitudes and more convincing arguments in discussions.
I also really enjoyed the philosophical perspective Richards took in discussing feminism. It is something that is rarely done with such movements and helps to clear up and get rid off false prejudices and perceptions of feminism and its advocates.
I highly recommend this book to feminists and non-feminists who are looking for a sophistcated read that will enlighten them and answer their questions as to what the hell all this fuss about feminism is about :-)
Have fun reading!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my English lit lang NEA, it was such a good read and very introspective. The humour integrated into the skepticism of her interpretation of feminism was created perfectly. 10/10 recommend if you are interested in sociology or feminism as a whole.

[Annerieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I ended up liking it. Heaven knows, analytical arguments on feministic topics are scarce and this book offers those arguments in spades. Radcliffe Richards has a way of illuminating sticky questions that will stay with the reader. However, she seems to be a utilitarian and this position affects a lot of her conclusions. Nothing wrong with being a utilitarian per se, but the nuance in the arguments is often lost, because most issues are resolved with a short: 'this will produce beneficial consequences for people and therefore it is a good thing, problem solved.

[Eric Dowdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-reasoned, clear arguments separating important feminist issues from distractions. Would love to find a worthy critique of her arguments.

[Aike · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intensely philosophical & a little hard to grasp at times, but very worth reading!

[Joel Gn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inconspicuous, yet insightful piece of feminist philosophy in the analytical tradition. Richards doesn't shy away from the hard truths, and takes deliberate steps to explain both the arguments and contradictions that characterise the movement. Considering that this was published in the 80s, a handful of the issues presented do seem a little dated, but this minor drawback (through no fault of the author's) hardly undermines the clarity that is so lacking in more contemporary debates. I have little doubt feminism will win over more reasonable conservatives, should they be curious enough to read this work.

[Nick Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because I read it and realised I wanted to be an academic. Intricate and sophisicated, the discussion on revised merit measures replacing the need for positive discrimination was centrally important for me. If I was you I would read it!

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be excellent. Clear and rational. It was my eureka moment with feminism!