Change : a feminist-pragamatist analysis

Abstract

This thesis seeks to provide an elucidation of change from a feminist perspective. The need for such a venture stems from an under-theorising of change by feminists on the one hand, and the problematic treatment of women and change in the history of philosophy on the other. Indeed, the development of philosophy itself is tainted by a paradoxical stance toward women and the place they are afforded in canonical expositions of change. While this is elaborated upon with the aid of an analysis of recurring themes in Greek mythology and early philosophical thought, its implications for the subsequent philosophy of Aristotle is assessed and further problematised within the context of a comparative analysis with pragmatist philosopher John Dewey. Since the thesis draws upon feminist and pragmatist theories, particularly Deweyan pragmatism, the latter needs to be outlined and assessed with regard to its capacity to provide a useful body of work with which to theorise change.