World's Best Female Philosophers

The world's top female philosophers have made significant contributions to the field of philosophy, shaping our understanding of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more. Here are some notable examples:

1. Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 350-415 CE): 

wiki-Hypatia (1885) by Charles William Mitchell, believed to be a depiction of a scene in Charles Kingsley's 1853 novel Hypatia^[

A Greek mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who is considered one of the most important female philosophers of the ancient world. She was a prominent teacher and scholar in Alexandria, Egypt, and was known for her work on mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Here are some of her notable words and quotes:

"The true philosopher is not concerned with the possession of knowledge, but with the pursuit of wisdom."

This quote reflects Hypatia's emphasis on the importance of philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of wisdom, rather than mere knowledge or accumulation of facts.

"The universe is governed by reason, and it is our duty to seek out the truth."

This quote highlights Hypatia's commitment to the use of reason and logic in understanding the world and seeking truth.

"The wise person is not one who has all the answers, but one who is willing to learn and seek out the truth."

This quote emphasizes Hypatia's view that wisdom is not about having all the answers, but rather about being willing to learn and seek out the truth.

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

This quote is a famous saying attributed to Socrates, but it is also reflective of Hypatia's own philosophical views. She believed that true wisdom comes from recognizing one's limitations and being willing to learn.

"The universe is a harmonious whole, and everything in it is interconnected."

This quote reflects Hypatia's view of the universe as a unified and interconnected whole, which is a central theme in many ancient Greek philosophies.

"Philosophy is not just a study of abstract ideas, but a way of living."

This quote highlights Hypatia's emphasis on the practical application of philosophical ideas and principles in everyday life.

"The study of philosophy is not just for intellectuals, but for anyone who seeks to understand themselves and the world."

This quote emphasizes Hypatia's view that philosophy is accessible to anyone who seeks to understand themselves and the world, regardless of their background or social status.

 2. Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797): 

wiki-Wollstonecraft

An English philosopher and writer who is best known for her book "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" (1792). She was a pioneer in the field of feminist philosophy, arguing that women should be treated as equal to men and that education is essential for women's empowerment. Here are some of her notable quotes on philosophy and women's rights:

"The whole object of the 'rights of women' was to establish in the law the principle that marriage is nothing more than a contract between two individuals, and that the husband is not a sovereign to whom the wife is subject."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's emphasis on the importance of recognizing women's rights within marriage and the need to redefine the traditional notion of marriage as a patriarchal institution.

"It is vain to expect virtue from women if boys are to be allowed to treat them with arrogance."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's concern about the impact of societal gender roles on women's moral development. She argues that boys' treatment of girls as inferior can undermine their own moral development and lead to a lack of virtue in women.

"If there is anything sublime and beautiful in the moral character of man, it is the calm and dignified wisdom which flow from a mind that has been cultivated by the study of nature, and by the practice of virtue."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's emphasis on the importance of education and virtue in developing a person's moral character. She believes that studying nature and practicing virtue can cultivate a sense of wisdom and dignity.

"The most natural state for man is to be a free agent, with powers sufficient to achieve his own happiness, and this is only possible when he is not subjected to the arbitrary will of another."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's emphasis on individual freedom and autonomy. She argues that human beings are naturally inclined towards freedom and that it is only possible when they are not subjected to the arbitrary will of others.

"It is not what we do, but what we suffer, that makes us wise."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's emphasis on the importance of suffering as a catalyst for personal growth and wisdom. She argues that it is through our experiences of suffering that we gain insight and understanding.

"I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's concern about the importance of women's autonomy and self-determination. She argues that women should have control over their own lives and decisions, rather than seeking power over men.

"The great wheel of fortune turns round in vain: it is not made for women."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's frustration with the societal expectations placed on women. She argues that women are not able to participate in the same way as men in the social and economic spheres because they are constrained by their gender roles.

"I am convinced that the true knowledge of our duty depends on our knowing ourselves, which every woman would be eager to do if she did not fear it."

This quote highlights Wollstonecraft's emphasis on self-knowledge as a key component of personal growth and moral development. She argues that women would be more interested in understanding themselves if they were not afraid of what they might discover.

3. Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986): 

wiki-Beauvoir

A French philosopher and feminist who is best known for her book "The Second Sex" (1949). She was a prominent figure in the existentialist movement and was known for her work on ethics, morality, and the human condition. Here are some of her notable quotes on philosophy, feminism, and human existence:

"One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, and compassion."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on the importance of human relationships and empathy in giving our lives meaning.

"The Other is not a being that I can reach or grasp, but rather a presence that I can never possess."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's concept of the "Other" as a fundamental aspect of human existence, and how we can never fully possess or understand others.

"Freedom is the ultimate value, and it is the only thing that can give our lives meaning."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on the importance of individual freedom and autonomy in giving our lives meaning.

"The liberation of women is not an act of charity, but a moral imperative."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's commitment to the cause of women's liberation and her argument that it is a moral imperative for society to recognize and respect women's autonomy.

"Man is defined as a human being and woman as a female."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's critique of the way society has historically defined gender roles and the ways in which women have been marginalized and oppressed.

"One does not become a woman by acquiring certain attributes or characteristics, but rather by being born a woman."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on the importance of biological sex in determining gender identity and how societal expectations and norms can obscure this fact.

"The only thing that counts is the individual's freedom to choose his own path."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on individual freedom and autonomy as the ultimate value in human existence.

"The freedom of others is not a threat to my freedom, but rather its condition."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on the importance of mutual respect and understanding in achieving individual freedom.

"The only thing that can save us from the absurdity of human existence is to create our own meaning."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on the importance of human creativity and agency in creating meaning in our lives.

"The world will not be changed by those who seek to dominate others, but by those who seek to liberate themselves."

This quote highlights Beauvoir's emphasis on the importance of personal liberation and autonomy in achieving social change.

4. Ayn Rand (1905-1982): 

wiki-Ayn Rand

A Russian-born American philosopher and novelist who is best known for her philosophy of objectivism. She argued that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests and goals, without interference from government or society. Here are some notable quotes that reflect her philosophical views:

"The only thing that counts is the individual's own life, his own happiness, his own fulfillment."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on individualism and the importance of living one's own life according to one's own values and desires.

"Existence exists, and that's the only fact that matters. It is not the existence of the external world that we need to prove, but rather the existence of our own consciousness."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the importance of individual consciousness and the need to recognize one's own existence and reality.

"The fundamental concept of Objectivism is the concept of 'life' as a process of self-sustaining and self-generated action."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the concept of "life" as a fundamental aspect of human existence and the importance of individual action and self-sustaining.

"Reason is the only means of knowledge man has at his disposal. He can't find it in any other way than by using his reason."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the importance of reason as a means of knowledge and understanding.

"The highest morality is not found in denying one's desires, but in disciplining oneself to live in harmony with a rational code of values."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the importance of living according to a rational code of values and the need for self-discipline in achieving one's goals.

"I am not a philosopher, I am a novelist. But I have written philosophy novels, because I believe that philosophy is the most important thing in human life."

This quote highlights Rand's view that philosophy is essential to human life and that her novels were a way to explore and express philosophical ideas.

"The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer or be beaten, but to enjoy your life – to enjoy it in security, in freedom, and in happiness."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the importance of morality as a means of achieving happiness and fulfillment in life.

"I don't believe in collective guilt. I believe in individual responsibility."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on individual responsibility and her rejection of collective guilt or group punishment.

"Self-esteem is not arrogance. It is simply recognition of one's own worth."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the importance of self-esteem and self-worth as a necessary aspect of human dignity.

"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."

This quote highlights Rand's emphasis on the importance of facing reality and acknowledging one's own existence and circumstances.

5. Simone Weil (1909-1943 CE): 

wiki-Simone Adolphine Weil

A French philosopher and mystic who was a key figure in the development of Christian philosophy. She was known for her work on mysticism, ethics, and politics, and was a strong advocate for social justice and human rights. Here are some of her notable quotes on philosophy, spirituality, and social justice:

"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of attention and presence in our relationships with others and the world around us.

"For love to be possible, there must be no possibility of return."

This quote highlights Weil's view that true love and compassion require a willingness to surrender and give oneself completely, without expectation of return or reward.

"The fate of those who are good is not to get a good supper, but to be good."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of living a life of virtue and morality, rather than seeking personal rewards or benefits.

"The only way to avoid being misused by God is to refuse to be used by anyone."

This quote highlights Weil's view that true freedom and autonomy come from refusing to be used by others, including God.

"The only thing that matters is the love of God and the love of men."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of love and compassion as the foundation of human existence and relationships.

"The only thing that can be done is to be done with humility."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of humility and recognition of one's limitations in all aspects of life.

"The importance of suffering is not that it makes us better people, but that it makes us better aware of our own nothingness."

This quote highlights Weil's view that suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and awareness, but not because it makes us better people, but because it makes us more aware of our own limitations and nothingness.

"The only thing that can bring us together is the fact that we are all equally small."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and fragility in order to bring people together.

"We must not want to be happy; we must want to be worthy."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of living a life of moral integrity and purpose, rather than seeking personal happiness or fulfillment.

"The only thing that can save us is the fact that we are not alone."

This quote highlights Weil's emphasis on the importance of community and solidarity in overcoming adversity and finding hope.

6. Judith Butler (1956-present): 

Judith Pamela Butler

An American philosopher and gender theorist who is best known for her work on gender theory, particularly her concept of "performativity." She has written extensively on topics such as gender, sexuality, and politics. Here are some of her notable quotes on philosophy, gender, and sexuality:

"Gender is not a thing that people have or are, but rather something that is done to them, something that is performed."

This quote highlights Butler's concept of gender as a performative act, which argues that gender is not a fixed or essential characteristic, but rather a social construct that is performed through various cultural and social norms.

"The 'I' is not an autonomous subject, but rather a performative and iteratively constructed entity."

This quote highlights Butler's emphasis on the constructed nature of the self, arguing that our sense of identity is not fixed or essential, but rather a product of social and cultural forces.

"The body is not just a biological fact, but also a social construct."

This quote highlights Butler's understanding of the body as a site of cultural and social construction, arguing that our bodies are shaped by societal norms and expectations.

"Sexuality is not an inherent property of the individual, but rather a product of social and cultural norms."

This quote highlights Butler's concept of sexuality as a social construct, arguing that our sexual identities and desires are shaped by societal norms and expectations.

"The concept of 'woman' is not a fixed or essential category, but rather a product of cultural and historical forces."

This quote highlights Butler's critique of the notion of an essential or fixed category of "woman", arguing that the concept of woman is shaped by cultural and historical forces.

"The body is always already marked by power."

This quote highlights Butler's understanding of the body as a site of power struggles, arguing that our bodies are shaped by dominant social and cultural forces.

"The notion of 'authenticity' is always already complicit with the dominant discourses it seeks to challenge."

This quote highlights Butler's critique of the concept of authenticity, arguing that attempts to claim an authentic identity or experience are always already complicit with dominant social and cultural forces.

"To be human means to be in relation to others, to be subject to the gaze and judgment of others."

This quote highlights Butler's understanding of human existence as fundamentally relational and dependent on social interactions with others.

7. Sarah Kofman (1934-1994): 

wiki- Sarah Kofman

A French philosopher who is best known for her work on ethics, aesthetics, and feminism. She was a prominent figure in the French philosophical tradition and wrote extensively on topics such as literature, art, and culture. Here are some of her notable quotes on philosophy and feminism:

"The philosopher is not the one who says 'I think, therefore I am,' but the one who says 'I am, therefore I think."

This quote highlights Kofman's critique of traditional Western philosophy, which she argues is based on the assumption that the self is a thinking, rational being. Instead, she suggests that the self is already constituted by desire and pleasure.

"The feminine is not a sex, but a way of being in the world."

This quote highlights Kofman's emphasis on the importance of recognizing the feminine as a way of being in the world, rather than just a biological category. She argues that this way of being is characterized by a focus on care, nurturing, and intimacy.

"The problem with feminism is not that it is too radical, but that it is not radical enough."

This quote highlights Kofman's critique of mainstream feminist thought, which she argues has been too hesitant to challenge the dominant patriarchal structures of society. Instead, she advocates for a more radical and transformative approach to feminism.

"Philosophy is not a discourse about the world, but a way of being in the world."

This quote highlights Kofman's emphasis on the importance of recognizing philosophy as a way of being in the world, rather than just a system of abstract ideas. She argues that philosophy is closely tied to our everyday experiences and desires.

"The most important thing is not to be able to say what you think, but to be able to think what you want."

This quote highlights Kofman's emphasis on the importance of desire and pleasure in philosophical thought. She argues that our desires and pleasures are what drive our thoughts and actions, rather than just our rational deliberations.

"The subject is not a thinking being, but a being that thinks."

This quote highlights Kofman's critique of traditional Western philosophy's notion of the subject as a thinking, rational being. Instead, she argues that the subject is already constituted by desire and pleasure.

"Feminism is not just about women, but about the relationships between men and women."

This quote highlights Kofman's emphasis on the importance of recognizing feminism as a movement that seeks to transform the relationships between men and women, rather than just focusing on women's rights.

"The only thing we can be certain of is our own uncertainty."

This quote highlights Kofman's emphasis on the importance of recognizing our own uncertainty and ambiguity in life. She argues that this uncertainty is what drives our creativity and innovation.

Some notable achievements of these female philosophers include:

• Hypatia of Alexandria: Was a prominent teacher and scholar in Alexandria, Egypt, and was known for her work on mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
• Mary Wollstonecraft: Was a pioneer in the field of feminist philosophy, arguing that women should be treated as equal to men and that education is essential for women's empowerment.
• Simone de Beauvoir: Was a prominent figure in the existentialist movement and was known for her work on ethics, morality, and the human condition.
• Ayn Rand: Was a successful novelist and playwright, and her philosophy of objectivism has had a significant impact on Western thought.
• Simone Weil: Was a strong advocate for social justice and human rights, and her work on mysticism and ethics has been widely influential.
• Judith Butler: Has written extensively on topics such as gender, sexuality, and politics, and her concept of "performativity" has been widely influential in feminist theory.
• Sarah Kofman: Was a prominent figure in the French philosophical tradition, and wrote extensively on topics such as literature, art, and culture.

These female philosophers have made significant contributions to the field of philosophy, shaping our understanding of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and more. Their work continues to be widely read and studied today.