Women in Philosophical Congresses and Conventions (review of postcongressial publications)

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of women’s participation in the world philosophical congresses held between 1900 and 1914: in Paris (1900), Geneva (1905), Heidelberg (1908), and Bologna (1911). The range of problems and contents of the papers delivered by the women at these congresses are reviewed, and their intellectual biographies are briefly described. It is shown that male philosophers were overwhelmingly among the participants in the congresses, while women were a rare exception. Particular attention is given in the article to identifying the reasons for the lack of women’s involvement in philosophy. The main reason is claimed to be the ban on higher, including philosophical, education for women, which lasted until the First World War and the October Revolution. In addition, there were real obstacles to building a professional philosophical career for women, even if they did have academic degrees. Nevertheless, women during the 19th century not only took an interest in philosophy, translated philosophical texts, organized philosophical publishing houses, edited philosophical articles and books, but also lectured on philosophy and acted as independent and original researchers. It is concluded that the full inclusion of women in the philosophical community is a prerequisite for the further development of philosophical culture. Unfortunately, despite the fact that women formally have the same equal rights and chances as men in terms of education, work, and life, in practice these rights and chances are very different.