A Philosopher Looks at Clothes

Clothes are much more than just what we put on in the morning. They express our identity; they can be an independent statement or the result of coercion; and they have deeply entrenched historical, political, and social aspects. Kate Moran explores the connections between clothes and philosophy, showing how clothes can illustrate and pose philosophical problems, and how philosophical ideas influence clothing. She discusses what it might mean for an article of clothing to be beautiful; how we communicate with clothes; how we use clothes to navigate our social existence; and how our social existence leaves its mark on our clothes. She also considers the curious relationship between philosophers and children's clothes, legal restrictions on clothing, textile waste, and labor conditions of textile workers. Her absorbing and engaging portrait of our clothes helps us to understand an important and underexplored aspect of our lives.

List of contents

List of figures; Preface; 1. Fashion, function, and fine art; 2. Clothing, identity, and communication; 3. The social life of clothing; 4. Legislation and appropriation; 5. Gender and clothing; 6. Children's clothing; 7. The ethics of clothing production; Notes; Index.

About the author

Kate Moran is Professor of Philosophy at Brandeis University. She is the author of Community and Progress in Kant's Moral Philosophy (2012) and Kant's Ethics (Cambridge, 2022).

Product details

• Authors: Kate Moran, Kate (Brandeis University Moran, Moran Kate
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.07.2025
• EAN: 9781009277716
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0927771-6
• No. of pages: 210
• Series: A Philosopher Looks At
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; PHILOSOPHY / Political, Society & culture: general, Lifestyle & personal style guides, Social & political philosophy, social and political philosophy, Popular philosophy, Fashion & textiles: design, Society and culture: general, Lifestyle and personal style guides, Fashion and textile design, Textile Industries, Apparel, garment and textile industries