The suspicion of virtue : women philosophers in neoclassical France / John J. Conley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Conley, John J., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Women philosophers--France--Biography.

Women philosophers.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xi, 222 pages)

Place of Publication:

Ithaca, New York ; London : Cornell University Press, [2002]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

The salon was of particular importance in mid- to late-seventeenth-century France, enabling aristocratic women to develop a philosophical culture that simultaneously reflected and opposed the dominant male philosophy. In The Suspicion of Virtue, John J. Conley, S. J., explores the moral philosophies developed by five women authors of that milieu: Madame de Sablé, Madame Deshoulières, Madame de la Sabliére, Mlle de la Vallière, and Madame de Maintenon. Through biography, extensive translation, commentary, and critical analysis, The Suspicion of Virtue presents the work of women who participated in the philosophical debates of the early modern period but who have been largely erased from the standard history of philosophy. Conley examines the various literary genres (maxim, ode, dialogue) in which these authors presented their moral theory. He also unveils the philosophical complexity of the arguments presented by these women and of the salon culture that nurtured their preoccupations. Their pointed critiques of virtue as a mask of vice, Conley asserts, are relevant to current controversy over the revival of virtue theory by contemporary ethicians.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Note on Translation

CHAPTER I. Introduction: Salon Philosophy

CHAPTER II. Madame de Sablé: A Jansenist Code of Moderation

CHAPTER III. Madame Deshoulières: A Naturalist Creed

CHAPTER IV. Madame de la Sablière: The Ethics of the Desert

CHAPTER V. Mademoiselle de la Vallière: The Logic of Mercy

CHAPTER VI. Madame de Maintenon: A Moral Pragmatism

CHAPTER VII. Conclusion: Unmasking Virtue

APPENDIX A. Maximes de Madame de Sablé

APPENDIX B. Reflexions diverses de Madame Deshoulières

APPENDIX C. Maximes Chrétiennes de Madame de la Sablière

APPENDIX D. Sur les vertus cardinales de Madame de Maintenon

Notes

Works Cited

Index

Notes:

Con appendici.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-5017-2265-4

OCLC:

1083605401