Description

Simone de Beauvoir is one of the best-known philosophers of the 20^th century though her actual work may not be recognized. She is credited with originating the concept of “the other” before Sartre, her life companion, used it. Her philosophical works make use of literary works: de Beauvoir herself wrote novels in addition to philosophical works to make philosophical ideas more accessible. Perhaps she is best known for “The Second Sex” which she published in 1949, about the condition of women. This is a pivotal work in 20^th century feminism, and despite some limitations, survives the test of time. She wrote several philosophical treatises and was one of the contributors to the development of existentialism, the prevalent philosophical current after WWII. Later in her life she wrote about aging and participated actively in the French feminist political movement until her death. We will look at her life and theoretical and feminist contributions to 20^th century thought.