Annette Baier was a prominent moral philosopher and Hume scholar, particularly focused on Hume's moral psychology. She also made significant contributions to feminist philosophy and the philosophy of mind, influenced by her colleague Wilfrid Sellars. Baier explored ethical theories, critically examining traditional philosophical concepts and emphasizing the importance of relationships and dependency in moral life. Her work invites readers to reconsider the foundations of morality and human connection.
Annette Baier delivers an appeal for our fundamental moral notions to be governed not by rules and codes but by trust: a moral prejudice. Along the way, she gives us the best feminist philosophy there is.
Exploring the tension between individual and social aspects of reasoning, Annette Baier examines how mental activities are influenced by cultural and societal contexts. Through her Carus Lectures, she argues for the interdependence of minds, asserting that reasoning and intention formation rely on a shared mental commons. Despite this, Baier highlights that moral reflection remains underdeveloped as a social capability, suggesting that a collective understanding of morality is not guaranteed.
Annette Baier explores a wide range of ethical topics through her insightful essays, blending philosophical engagement with personal reflections. She addresses complex themes such as patriotism, the responsibilities to future generations, and the importance of honesty, trust, hope, and friendship. Baier's distinctive perspective offers a fresh examination of moral philosophy, making her work both thought-provoking and relatable.
First published in 1998, this collection brings together key articles by prominent feminist thinkers, providing a sophisticated exploration of theoretical topics central to feminist social thought. It highlights significant concerns in contemporary feminist scholarship and the advancements made by feminist philosophers. The editor's introduction offers alternative pathways through the text, enabling instructors to tailor the reader to their specific courses and student interests. Each article includes a brief introduction that contextualizes it, emphasizing the main issues and conclusions, which aids students in navigating challenging theoretical concepts. Organized around seven topics—constructions of gender; theorizing diversity; figurations of women; subjectivity, agency, and feminist critique; social identity, solidarity, and political engagement; care and its critics; and women, equality, and justice—this collection represents a broad spectrum of feminist thinking. Students will engage with critical questions, including how gender norms are instilled and perpetuated, the relationships between gender and other social positions like race and class, the resources available for recognizing and resisting subordination, the goals of feminist politics, and the reconciliation of social and legal equality with difference.