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Zusatztext This distinguished volume of essays provides an incisive review of Simone de Beauvoir's legacy, ranging expertly over the historical, philosophical and literary dimensions of a complex and controversial figure,. . . the stature, originality, pragmatism and sheer intelligence of Beauvoir are outstandingly well brought into focus. Klappentext The legacy of Simone de Beauvoir has yet to be properly assessed and explored. The 50th anniversary of the publication of The Second Sex inspired this volume which brings together philosophers and literary critics, some of whom are well known for their books on Beauvoir (Bauer, Le Doeuff, Moi), others new to Beauvoir studies though long familiar with her work (Grosholz, Imbert, James, Stevenson, Wilson). One aim of this collection is to encourage greater recognition of Beauvoir's philosophical writings through systematic reflection on their place in the canon and on her methods. The Second Sex played a central role in the profound shift in philosophy's self-understanding that took place in the latter half of the twentieth century, and today offers new problems for reflection and novel means for appropriating older texts. Its reflective iconoclasm can be compared to that of Descartes' Meditations; its enormous, directly discernible impact on our social world invites comparison with Locke's Two Treatises of Government. The collection also examines the relationship between Beauvoir's literary writing and her philosophical thought. Deeply concerned with the critical and creative powers of reason as well as with the betterment of our suffering world, Simone de Beauvoir wrote in a variety of genres in addition to the philosophical essay: the novel, political journalism, and the memoir. The multiplicity of her voices was closely related to her philosophical project. Since Beauvoir's method (like that of W. E. B. du Bois) proceeded from her own immediate experience, her reflections had to find expression sometimes as narrative, sometimes as autobiography, sometimes as argument. The Legacy of Simone de Beauvoir demonstrates the many ways in which Beauvoir's writings, in particular The Second Sex, can serve as resources for thought, for the life of the mind which is as concerned with the past and future as it is with the present. Zusammenfassung This collection of new essays treats the historical, philosophical, and literary dimensions of Simone de Beauvoir's thought, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of her most influential book, 'The Second Sex'. Inhaltsverzeichnis Editor's Introduction I. Historical Context 1: Claude Imbert: Simone de Beauvoir: A Woman Philosopher in her Generation 2: Michele le Doeuff: Towards a Friendly, Transatlantic Critique of The Second Sex 3: Toril Moi: While We Wait: Notes on the English Translation of The Second Sex II. Philosophical Context 4: Susan James: Complicity and Slavery in The Second Sex 5: Catherine Wilson: Simone de Beauvoir and Human Dignity 6: Nancy Bauer: Must we Read Simone de Beauvoir? III. Literary Context 7: Toril Moi: Meaning What We Say: The 'Politics of Theory' and the Responsibility of Intellectuals 8: Anne Stevenson: Saying What We Mean 9: Emily R. Grosholz: The House We Never Leave: Childhood, Shelter, and Freedom in the Writings of Beauvoir and Colette ...
