Papers by Malin Grahn-Wilder
This chapter investigates the role of gender in Stoic metaphysics. I place gender within the fram... more This chapter investigates the role of gender in Stoic metaphysics. I place gender within the framework of the Stoic theory of four categories: substance, the qualified, the disposed and the relatively disposed. I show that particularly the second category of the “qualified” proves fruitful for understanding the metaphysical status of gender. This chapter provides an interpretation of the metaphysical insignificance of gender in the Stoic theory. The analysis of relevant passages in the original sources shows that the Stoic metaphysics provides a strong argument for equal rationality of men and women. This chapter also demonstrates that sexuality as such should not be understood as a lower level soul function, but an aspect of the rational soul.
This chapter analyzes gender in the context of the Ancient science of physiognomy (physiognomonia... more This chapter analyzes gender in the context of the Ancient science of physiognomy (physiognomonia). Physiognomy draws connections between physical features and characteristics of the soul, presuming that the inner character is displayed in the outer appearance among both animals and humans. This theory is interesting from the point of view of gender since it often labels different characteristics effeminate and masculine. There is evidence that at least certain Stoic thinkers sympathized with physiognomic ideas and applied them to their discussions on characteristics.
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
This chapter presents an interpretation of the erotic images used in Stoic cosmology, highlightin... more This chapter presents an interpretation of the erotic images used in Stoic cosmology, highlighting particularly the role of analogy in their epistemology. This chapter also critically discusses interpretations which treat the sexual images as literal statements of the Stoic account of the creation of the cosmos. This chapter shows, however, that the sexual analogy is not very effective in casting light on the Stoic first principles. Yet we can see that gendered assumption operate in remarkably different ways in the Stoics compared to their predecessors. The chapter highlights particularly such juxtapositions as activity–passivity which often have received gendered interpretation in the history of philosophy.
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
Marriage is a reoccurring topic in Ancient philosophy. The Roman Stoics in particular take up mar... more Marriage is a reoccurring topic in Ancient philosophy. The Roman Stoics in particular take up marriage and family life as topics worthy of serious philosophical concern. This chapter analyzes the later Stoic discussions on marriage, family, and choices of good ways of life. As this chapter demonstrates, the Stoic discussions on marriage and family life relate to many of the fundamental ideas in their ethics and political thought. One important context in which the Stoics discuss bonds with loved ones, paradigmatically with one’s spouse and children, is in relation to their theory of indifferent things.
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
This chapter analyzes the Stoic discussions of physical manifestations of femininity and masculin... more This chapter analyzes the Stoic discussions of physical manifestations of femininity and masculinity. The important philosophical topics concern choice, nature, and indifference. The first subchapter analyzes the Ancient juxtapositions between physical beauty and beautiful character as well as between animal and human natures. The second subchapter scrutinizes the multiple ways of understanding “nature” in Stoicism and discusses which parts of nature are considered as significant for the highest human goals. The third subchapter analyzes the specific problem of the philosopher’s beard—a gendered sign of wisdom often mentioned in the original sources. The final subchapter discusses the continuities and differences between the early and later Stoics’ ways of attaching meanings to culturally constructed gendered signs such as body hairs, perfumes, and physical looks.
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
For a doxographic study on the textual material on early Stoic philosophy and an attempt to recon... more For a doxographic study on the textual material on early Stoic philosophy and an attempt to reconstruct the historical background of this material, see Schofield (1991: 3-21).
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
Sexuality features strongly in Stoic texts as an important sphere of life in which self-control, ... more Sexuality features strongly in Stoic texts as an important sphere of life in which self-control, emotions, correctness of impressions, and good relationships with other people are at stake. This chapter investigates the Stoic views on sexual ethics and the role of sexuality in good life. The first subchapter approaches the topic through the Stoic notions of different types of friendship among which they count “erotic friendship.” In this context, an important discussion concerns the juxtaposition between good and bad forms of erotic love. The second subchapter presents a reading according to which the Stoic ethics was concerned with sexuality primarily because of the ways it endangers the individual’s inner freedom, not because sexuality per se was considered morally susceptible.
Gender and Sexuality in Stoic Philosophy, 2018
This chapter analyzes mythical, biological, and medical models for explaining gender in Ancient s... more This chapter analyzes mythical, biological, and medical models for explaining gender in Ancient sources. The general aim of the chapter is to provide an interpretation of the different explanations of gender in Plato, Aristotle, and Galen, and highlight notions and theoretical debates that form the backdrop for the Stoic views. The Stoics often refer to these earlier debates, and also some more specific questions such as the female role in embryology. Also, some of the more obscure Stoic fragments become understandable within the general framework of Ancient debates on gender.
This chapter scrutinizes Stoic cosmopolitanism from the point of view of gender and shows that th... more This chapter scrutinizes Stoic cosmopolitanism from the point of view of gender and shows that this theory provides a powerful argument for equality of men and women. This chapter shows that Hierocles’ famous argument of extending circles proposes that men and women are equally valuable both as subjects and objects of ethical action. Similarly, Cicero’s and Marcus Aurelius’ versions of the cosmopolitan argument emphasize common and shared humanity. This chapter also proposes that the close human relations have an outmost importance in Stoicism since they provide a model for expanding the sphere of ethics to cover the entire human kind. Nevertheless, one’s spouse and family form the privileged sphere for exercising virtue. This chapter analyzes the importance of this idea in the light of contemporary feminist thinkers who have emphasized the philosophical importance of private spheres of life, family, and intimate relationships.
Ancient thinkers often refer to gender in the connection of their discussions on characters. Cert... more Ancient thinkers often refer to gender in the connection of their discussions on characters. Certain characteristics such as the tendency to weep are labeled “effeminate,” whereas the virtue of courage seemingly indicates a type of ideal manliness (andreia stems from the Greek term aner for a man). In this chapter, I first outline the philosophical problems that are at stake in an investigation of characters, and then analyze the connections between character, education, and gender in Plato and Aristotle.
This chapter investigates the role of gender in Stoic metaphysics. I place gender within the fram... more This chapter investigates the role of gender in Stoic metaphysics. I place gender within the framework of the Stoic theory of four categories: substance, the qualified, the disposed and the relatively disposed. I show that particularly the second category of the “qualified” proves fruitful for understanding the metaphysical status of gender. This chapter provides an interpretation of the metaphysical insignificance of gender in the Stoic theory. The analysis of relevant passages in the original sources shows that the Stoic metaphysics provides a strong argument for equal rationality of men and women. This chapter also demonstrates that sexuality as such should not be understood as a lower level soul function, but an aspect of the rational soul.
In their time, the Stoics apparently enjoyed a reputation of being a particularly “manly” school ... more In their time, the Stoics apparently enjoyed a reputation of being a particularly “manly” school of philosophy, in contrast to the allegedly effeminate Epicureanism. This chapter scrutinizes the Stoic rationalist ideal and its culmination in the figure of the sage from the point of view of gender. This chapter also analyzes the female exemplifications and idealizations found in Stoic sources.
Routledge eBooks, Mar 19, 2024
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Childhood in History, 2017
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Papers by Malin Grahn-Wilder
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theaterin esitykset kumpuavat gospelin ja bluesin maaperästä ja ottavat kantaa ajankohtaisiin ongelmiin kuten rodulliseen väkivaltaan. Koreografi Matthew Rushing haluaa yleisön poistuvan teatterista toivon sanomaa kantaen.
The idea of being included, however, inherently involves discourses and practices of exclusion. In effect, some individuals or groups are marginalized or left out of the political process, thus creating narratives about who is deemed a legitimate participant in the democratic system. Such narratives are flexible and contested, and topics such as discrimination because of race, gender, or disability are recurrently discussed, both in the past and at present.
Historically, theories of democracy, which encompass an understanding of the political agent, have often built upon racializing and gendered assumptions, either explicitly or implicitly, thereby shaping narratives of inclusion/exclusion. In present-day democracies, illiberal, racist and xenophobic rhetorics are on the rise, feeding the popularity of nationalist political parties and other political groups that undermine the idea of a liberal society. These debates redefine ideas of inclusion and exclusion, revealing inherent tensions between democratic principles such as equality, representation and accountability. A growing number of philosophers are critically re- assessing the colonial, racial and other unequal tendencies of the legacy of the Western democratic theory and practice and working on including non-western and other previously marginalized traditions to the philosophical and political discussions.
For this in-person event we invite contributions addressing these topics from a variety of disciplines, including moral and political philosophy, political science, history, or international relations. Early career scholars are also welcome. The language of the workshop is English.
Kindly submit proposals (up to 150-word abstracts and contact details) before 27 September 2024 both to Malin Grahn-Wilder ([email protected]) and Rosario López ([email protected]) and. Participants will be notified of acceptance by 25 October 2024.
Keynote speaker:
Marta Araujo (University of Coimbra)
Organizers: Research Project Origins of Racializing Thought, University of Jyväskylä; Area of Moral and Political Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, University of Málaga
Convenors: Malin Grahn-Wilder (University of Jyväskylä) and Rosario López (University of Málaga)
6-7 February 2025
University of Málaga