UH West O'ahu to host feminist philosophers lecture series this fall

University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu
Contact:
Julie Funasaki Yuen, (808) 689-2604
Public Info Officer, University of Hawaii - West Oahu
Posted: Sep 15, 2014

This fall, UH West O‘ahu will host a lecture series featuring leading feminist philosophers discussing their research. Sponsored by a UH Diversity and Equity Initiative Grant, the feminist philosopher lecture series aims to increase our understanding of feminist philosophy in areas such as ethics, epistemology and politics. All lectures will happen Fridays from 9:30 - 10:50 a.m. in UH West Oʻahu Classroom Building D151. The lectures are free and open to the public.

“Can there be feminists before feminism?” with Dr. Tamara Albertini, Sept. 19

UH Mānoa Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Tamara Albertini will present an exploration of women philosophers from Hildegard of Bingen to Moderata Fonte. Women philosophers like Hildegard of Bingen (d. 1179) and Moderata Fonte (d. 1592) have made extraordinary contributions to philosophy and sciences. Unfortunately, they were often plagiarized or marginalized and, as a result, forgotten by a later male-dominated tradition. This lecture is part of a larger effort to honor the philosophical creativity of women and redress the injustice done to their achievements.

“Care ethics in a comparative context” with Dr. Vrinda Dalmiya, Oct. 3

UH Mānoa Associate Professor of Philosophy and chair of undergraduate studies in Philosophy, Dr. Vrinda Dalmiya will discuss the development of feminist care ethics as a viable alternative to mainstream ethical systems. She will also cover the advantages and disadvantages of extending the understanding of 'care' by looking at non-Western sources.

“Making space for women: the significance of cultural location (and relocation) in defining what constitutes liberation” with Dr. Mary Tiles, Oct. 24

UH Mānoa Professor Emerita, Dr. Mary Tiles will discuss the topic of women and the public   space. In many cultures, a woman’s place has been the home. They were ruled by husbands who owned them and their role was domestic. Women were part of the private realm, having no public role or place. The move from private to public poses a dilemma (similar to that faced by groups moving from one culture to another) - should women advocate for distinctive public roles, creating their own institutional spaces or should they   demand parity with men and entry on equal terms into previously masculine preserves? Tiles will discuss this topic in the context of the varied impacts of World War I on women in the United Kingdom.

“Feminism, then and now – what happened?” with Dr. Sharon Rowe, Nov. 14

Kapiʻolani Community College Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Sharon Rowe will discuss the evolution of feminist movements. What were the lived experiences that motivated second wave feminism? How did it happen that feminism evolved from being a dynamic social-political-economic force, to being a pejorative that most women flee from? This lecture-discussion looks back to what occurred 50 years ago, and highlights the relevance of the 1960’s women’s movement to current day. What issues remain and what ideas still maintain currency, affecting women’s lives and self-image as they have for centuries?

For more information about the UH West Oʻahu Feminist Philosophers Lecture Series, contact UH West Oʻahu Professor of Philosophy Dr. Li-Hsiang Lisa Rosenlee at 689-2356 or lihsiang@hawaii.edu.

UH West O‘ahu became a four-year, regional comprehensive university when it served its first class of freshmen in fall 2007. The University offers quality education, small classes and personalized attention at convenient locations. UH West O‘ahu serves approximately 2,400 students at its brand new, state-of-the-art campus that opened in the City of Kapolei in 2012. For more information, visit uhwo.hawaii.edu, twitter.com/uhwestoahu, facebook.com/uhwestoahu or call (808) 689-2800 or toll-free (866) 299-8656.