While "overview" does not immediately translate into "shallow" or "lack of depth," at times this approach inevitably leads to oversimplification or overgeneralization. Her methodical approach ensures that the reader not only understands what the viewpoint is saying but also the viewpoint's stance relative to all the other perspectives on a particular issue. So when mentioning that some feminists oppose legal codification of sexual harrassment because it portrays women as frail and in need of protection, Saul devotes a good section of her chapter on sexual harrassment to an analysis of this claim, and just this claim, before going on to talk about the various legal and philosophical approaches to what constitutes sexual harrassment. In addition to her focus on definitions, Saul employs logical reasoning to test the validity of arguments and analyzes their premises individually before summarizing her opinion of the argument as a whole. I'd particularly praise Saul for her attention to detail when analyzing or criticizing the various viewpoints discussed in the book. Since each theme deserves (and has) entire books devoted to it, this makes for a whirlwind pacing that can leave a reader gasping for breath. With each theme, Saul tries to cover as much territory as possible, citing as many opposing view points, sorting them, analyzing their merits, and injecting some of her own opinions where appropriate.
This helps the feminist newbie stay afloat in what is really an intense conversation. Saul carefully defines the terms she uses and mentions when the terms are particularly controversial-for instance, feminists who oppose pornography often operate under a very definition of "pornography" that differs from more conventional definitions. The only remaining question is one of quality how well has Saul presented her overview of feminism?įor the most part, I would agree with the book's somewhat hyperbolic summary: this is an accessible text, especially when one considers the amount of academic references Saul packs into her discussions. Jennifer Saul explicitly states that she is not out to provide a final say on any of the issues she discusses in her book rather, it's an introduction to contemporary feminist thought by focusing on several issues key to feminism.
The only remaining question is one of quality how well has Saul presented her overview of feminism? For the most part, I If a book's merits are judged based on whether or not it achieves the goal its author intends, then Feminism: Issues and Arguments has great merit. If a book's merits are judged based on whether or not it achieves the goal its author intends, then Feminism: Issues and Arguments has great merit. Feminism: Issues & Arguments is ideal for courses in feminism, feminist philosophy/philosophy of women, and sociology of women. Real-world applications of feminist philosophy, this text brings the subject to life for students because it deals with issues that they care about. The chapters are organized around key topics including pornography, abortion, sexual harassment, and the politics of work and family. Drawing on both philosophical thought and up-to-date empirical research, Jennifer Mather Saul provides lucidĪrguments for a variety of feminist positions but avoids advocating any particular position so that students will be motivated to think critically. Drawing on both philosophical thought and up-to-date empirical research, Jennifer Mather Saul provides lucid arguments for a variety of feminist positions but avoids advocating any particular Filling a gap in the textbook market, Feminism: Issues & Arguments provides an accessible and stimulating introduction to feminist philosophy that assumes no background in the subject. Filling a gap in the textbook market, Feminism: Issues & Arguments provides an accessible and stimulating introduction to feminist philosophy that assumes no background in the subject.
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