An Invitation to Feminist Ethics

by Hilde Lindemann

Feminist ethics addresses how power, through gender, affects moral practice and theory. This enterprise is more important than ever before in an age of sharpened attention and concern for feminist issues and injustices. Yet the number of terms which have entered mainstream discussion can quickly overwhelm the intersectionality, gender neutrality, androcentrism. An Invitation to Feminist Ethics offers an easy-to-understand, hospitable approach to the study of feminist moral theory and practice from a renowned ethicist, underscoring its need and the clarifying light it casts on some of the most pressing topics in contemporary society.

The work surveys feminist ethical theory, beginning with an explanation of ethics, feminism, and gender before discussing the concepts of discrimination, oppression, gender neutrality, and androcentrism. The work further discusses in-depth intersectionality and microagressions before examining personal identities and how identities are vulnerable to oppression, and what can be done about it.

The book also includes a helpful overview of three standard moral theories--social contract theory, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics--and a discussion of their failings from a feminist point of view, followed by introductions to feminist care theory and feminist responsibility ethics. A "close-ups" section explores three social practices--bioethics, violence, and the globalized economy--within which these concepts are applied, and the need for feminist ethics is most urgent.

Genres: Philosophy, Feminism

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2005

Reviews

[Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great in the realm of introduction as it eases gender-ignorant people in with a forceful hand. Usually gets people interested without scaring them off.

[Jolynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this straight-talking, high-level intro to feminist ethics - so much of academic writing about theory and philosophy can be impenetrable and this was a breath of fresh of air. Lindemann clearly indicates her intention to provide an overview of feminism, feminist concepts, identity theory, dominant moral theories and feminist moral theories and that is what she does. Accessible and easy to read and understand. She provides examples of need to understand gender as a norm, a power relation and a social construct by exploring ideas of dominant moral theory vs feminist ethics in context of bioethics, violence and globalization issues. (And I would love a poster that includes a list of all the Lindemann ad how rules for my wall).