Synopses & Reviews
Simone de Beauvoir was a philosopher and writer of notable range and influence whose work is central to feminist theory, French existentialism, and contemporary moral and social philosophy. The essays in this volume examine the major aspects of her thought. They explore her views on the role of biology, sexuality and sexual difference, and evil; the influence on her work of Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Husserl, and others; and the philosophical significance of her memoirs and fiction.
Review
"New readers and nonspecialists will find this the most convenient and accessible guide to Beauvoir available. Advanced students and specialists will find a conspectus of recent developments in the interpretation of Beauvoir." Italian Journal
Synopsis
A convenient and accessible guide to Simone de Beauvoir.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 305-319) and index.
About the Author
Claudia Card is Emma Goldman Professor at the Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Table of Contents
Introduction Claudia Card; 1. Beauvoir's place in philosophical thought Barbara S. Andrew; 2. Reading Simone de Beauvoir with Martin Heidegger Eva Gothlin; 3. The body as instrument and as expression Sara Heinämaa; 4. Beauvoir and Merleau-Ponty on ambiguity Monika Langer; 5. Bergson's influence on Beauvoir's philosophical methodology Margaret A. Simons; 6. Philosophy in Beauvoir's fiction Mary Sirridge; 7. Complicity and slavery in The Second Sex Susan James; 8. Beauvoir on Sade: making sexuality into an ethic Judith Butler; 9. Beauvoir and feminism: interview and reflections Susan J. Brison; 10. Life-story in Beauvoir's memoirs Miranda Fricker; 11. Beauvoir on the ambiguity of evil Robin May Schott; 12. (Re)counting the sexual difference Debra B. Bergoffen; 13. Beauvoir and biology: a second look Moira Gatens; 14. Beauvoir's old age Penelope Deutscher.