Explore any philosophical thought, and you’ll find that philosophy has long been dominated by towering figures of men such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Laozi, and more. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that, throughout history, some notable women philosophers have also wrestled with the concepts of human existence, religion, equality, knowledge, and ethics.
Most of these women philosophers have been overshadowed by their male counterparts. Still, their contributions have shaped how we perceive justice, reason, and human nature, among other philosophical topics.
6 extraordinary women whose philosophical insights have influenced thinkers throughout history
1. Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 370-415)
You can’t mention women philosophers and philosophy at large without acknowledging Hypatia. Her intellect and influence made her a symbol of knowledge, tolerance, reason, and the tragic cost of standing for the truth in a world resistant to change.
Hypatia of Alexandria was not just any mathematician; she was a pioneer in a field dominated by men during a time when women’s contributions to science and academics were often overlooked or dismissed. Her work on Diophantus’ Arithmetica is a testament to her brilliance and perseverance. Diophantus’ work was complex, dealing with algebraic problems requiring innovative thinking.
Hypatia’s commentary and solutions to more than 100 algebra problems demonstrated her mathematical genius and dedication to advancing the field of mathematics. She was known for developing astrolabes and hydrometers, cutting-edge tools at the time, further showcasing her innovative spirit and technical skill.
Hypatia’s role in society
In a world where intellectual pursuit was usually reserved for men, Hypatia’s role as a philosopher, scientist, and teacher in Alexandria was groundbreaking. She led a school of philosophy and was an advisor to political leaders in Alexandria, bridging the gap between the academic world and the practical governance of the city. Her public lectures attracted many listeners, both men and women, who were drawn to her wisdom and clarity of thought. Her teachings emphasized the importance of reason and scientific inquiry, advocating for a rational approach to understanding the world when such perspectives became increasingly contentious due to the rise of religious ideology.
Events leading to Hypatia’s tragic death
Hypatia’s murder in 415 CE by a Christian mob is a dark chapter in the history of intellectual freedom. This event wasn’t just a spontaneous act of violence; it was the culmination of increasing tensions between the pagan and Christian communities in Alexandria, exacerbated by political power struggles within the city. Hypatia’s close association with Orestes, the prefect of Alexandria, who conflicted with Cyril, the Christian bishop, likely made her a target. Her murder marked a significant point in the history of Alexandria, symbolizing the end of the classical Hellenistic age and the beginning of an era where religious fanaticism started to eclipse the pursuit of knowledge and rational thought.
Hypatia’s lasting legacy
Hypatia’s death did not silence her influence. Over the centuries, she has become a symbol of intellectual freedom and the tragic cost of standing for truth in ignorance and intolerance. Her story has inspired countless individuals to pursue knowledge and wisdom, regardless of the challenges. Hypatia remains an icon for women in science, philosophy, and academia, proving that the quest for understanding and rational thought can endure and flourish, even in the darkest times.
Hypatia of Alexandria was undoubtedly a remarkable figure whose intellect, courage, and tragic end have left an indelible mark on history. Her legacy is a poignant reminder of the power of ideas and the importance of safeguarding the freedom to explore, question, and think critically about our world.
“Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.” — Hypatia
2. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
Hildegard of Bingen, often called the “Sibyl of the Rhine,” was a remarkable figure in the 12th century when men dominated music, medicine, and theology. Her courageous endeavor into these fields, amid the rigid gender expectations of her time, not only highlights her exceptional intellect, but also her unwavering resolve to transcend societal boundaries.
Musical composition in a male-dominated era
Hildegard’s contributions to music are profound, especially her Ordo Virtutum, one of the earliest known morality plays featuring music unrelated to the liturgy. Considering that most composers of her time were men, Hildegard’s musical achievements were revolutionary. Her compositions, deeply embedded with mystical and religious themes, were not merely artistic expressions, but also vehicles for her theological messages. Her ability to create and share such work in a male-dominated milieu showcases her talent and determination to voice her spiritual insights despite societal constraints.
Medicine and science through a woman’s lens
Hildegard also ventured into medicine and natural science, areas mainly inaccessible to women during the Middle Ages. In her works, Physica and Causae et Curae, she detailed the medicinal uses of various natural elements. Her holistic approach to health, considering physical and spiritual well-being, was pioneering. At a time when women were expected to be passive recipients rather than creators of knowledge, Hildegard’s medical writings reflect her boldness in pursuing and sharing her expansive understanding of the world.
Mysticism and philosophy amid gender limitations
As a mystic and philosopher, Hildegard’s visionary experiences and theological insights were groundbreaking. Her primary work, Scivias (Know the Ways of the Lord), not only delves into the mystical relationship between God, humanity, and nature but also asserts her visions’ divine origin and legitimacy. It is particularly striking that Hildegard claimed such authoritative spiritual insight at a time when women’s voices were marginalized in religious discourse.
In a male-dominated church, Hildegard refused to behave in specific preconceived ways and argued that women weren’t inferior to men. She wrote books, created a new language (Lingua Ignota), and even held preaching tours at a time when women weren’t supposed to preach. Her writings explore the relationship between God, humanity, and nature. She proposed a holistic view of the universe, showing that she viewed things differently.
3. Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia (1646-1684)
Elena was a Venetian philosopher and the first woman in history to get a Ph.D. At a time when women were largely excluded from academia, she excelled in philosophy, math, astronomy, and classical languages. She spoke seven languages fluently, and is sometimes called “The Seven-Language Oracle.”
Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia’s attainment of a Ph.D. in the 17th century was a monumental achievement, not just for her but for women across the globe. Her journey, set against the backdrop of an era when academic opportunities for women were virtually nonexistent, speaks volumes about her extraordinary intellect and determination.
Overcoming societal barriers
Living in a period when women’s education was limited to household skills or religious teachings, Elena shattered societal expectations by delving into fields reserved for men. Her pursuit of higher education in philosophy, math, astronomy, and classical languages was a direct challenge to the gender norms of her time. Her achievement is remarkable because she excelled in these disciplines.
A pioneer in academia
Elena’s journey to obtaining a Ph.D. was fraught with obstacles, not least because of her gender. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education and achieved the highest academic degree, becoming the first woman in history to do so. Her doctorate was not just a personal victory, but a landmark moment for women in academia, symbolizing the potential of women to contribute significantly to scholarly fields.
Intellectual contributions and legacy
Her contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and linguistics highlighted her diverse interests and profound intellect. Elena’s fluency in seven languages enabled her to access and contribute to multiple bodies of knowledge, bridging her time’s cultural and intellectual gaps. Her legacy is not merely in her historical first, but in the doors she opened for future generations of women in academia. Through her achievements, Elena demonstrated that intellectual capability knows no gender, laying the groundwork for women’s increasing participation in higher education and scholarly pursuits.
Courage and inspiration
Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia’s story is a testament to courage in the face of societal and institutional barriers. Her determination to pursue her intellectual passions, even when such pursuits were considered inappropriate or inaccessible for women, showcases her groundbreaking spirit. Her legacy inspires women in academia and all who strive to overcome unjust limitations in pursuit of their goals.
Reflecting on Elena’s life, it becomes evident that her achievements were not just for her fulfillment, but she was also a beacon of hope for future generations of women. Her success in academia, at a time when such accomplishments by women were unimaginable, exemplifies what can be achieved through determination and resilience. Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia remains a symbol of intellectual courage whose historical breakthrough continues to inspire and encourage people from all walks of life to challenge the status quo and pursue their highest aspirations.
4. Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)
Wollstonecraft is best known for A Vindication of the Rights of Men and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), which are influential works in moral and political philosophy. The previous work was written to defend the French Revolution against Burke, while the latter was an answer against people who didn’t want women to be educated.
The philosopher argued that women weren’t inferior but appeared so because most weren’t well educated. Her ideas influenced later feminist movements and laid the groundwork for liberal thought on human rights and equality. Besides being a philosopher, she was a novelist, travel guide writer, and child book author.
“I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.” — Mary Wollstonecraft
She died at 38 from childbirth complications, but that birth gave us Mary Shelly, the renowned author of Frankenstein.
5. Harriet Taylor Mill (1807-1858)
Harriet is often overshadowed by her notable philosopher husband, John Stuart Mills, and she was a deep thinker in her own right. She wrote several essays on women’s rights, liberty, and social justice, precursors for Stuart Mills’ later works, such as The Subjection of Women. John Stuart Mill’s extraordinary work On Liberty is dedicated to her, and he acknowledges:
“All my published writings were as much my wife’s work as mine; her share in them constantly increasing as years advanced.” — J.S. Mills
6. Hannah Arendt (1906-1975)
Arend was a German-born philosopher who analyzed the nature of power, authority, and evil. Her masterpiece, The Origins of Totalitarianism, explores how totalitarian governments come to power. She also wrote other works, such as Eichmann of Jerusalem, which considers how the average person can commit atrocious crimes against humanity given the right circumstances.
“The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil.” — Hannah Arendt
The Influence of women philosophers
Women philosophers, across centuries and cultures, have influenced philosophy by expanding how we think about human rights, justice, liberty, knowledge, and human existence. Most excelled at a time when women weren’t allowed an education, paving the way for other women in higher education and politics and becoming symbols of women’s potential.
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