

#1674
Mentioned in 17 episodes
The Second Sex
Book • 1949
In 'The Second Sex', Simone de Beauvoir delves into the concept of feminism by examining historical facts, biological differences, psychoanalytic theories, and societal myths that have led to the subjugation of women.
The book is divided into two volumes: 'Facts and Myths' and 'Lived Experience'.
Beauvoir argues that women are not inherently inferior but are made so by societal constructs and historical injustices.
She critiques the notion that women are defined as 'The Other' in relation to men, emphasizing that this distinction denies women their humanity and autonomy.
The book explores various stages of a woman's life, from childhood to old age, highlighting how societal forces condition women into accepting passive and dependent roles.
Beauvoir advocates for women's equality and autonomy, particularly through economic independence and the ability to support themselves through work.
The book is divided into two volumes: 'Facts and Myths' and 'Lived Experience'.
Beauvoir argues that women are not inherently inferior but are made so by societal constructs and historical injustices.
She critiques the notion that women are defined as 'The Other' in relation to men, emphasizing that this distinction denies women their humanity and autonomy.
The book explores various stages of a woman's life, from childhood to old age, highlighting how societal forces condition women into accepting passive and dependent roles.
Beauvoir advocates for women's equality and autonomy, particularly through economic independence and the ability to support themselves through work.
Mentioned by





















Mentioned in 17 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of "The Second Sex", a book arguing for the removal of the concept of motherhood to alleviate guilt among women who choose not to have children.

Rudyard Lynch

40 snips
Explaining the 1960s
Mentioned for her contributions to existentialism, particularly her emphasis on freedom, responsibility, and the social factors influencing freedom.

36 snips
Authenticity
Referenced by ![undefined]()

when discussing Simone de Beauvoir and psychoanalysis.

Todd McGowan

35 snips
Sigmund Freud: The Most Misunderstood Man (Ft. Todd McGowan)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

and ![undefined]()

in the context of her philosophy on freedom and authenticity.

Sean Illing

Skye Cleary

29 snips
The quest for authenticity
Mentioned as the author of the famous thesis book of modern feminism, Second Wave Feminism.

22 snips
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as an important starting point when discussing processes of feminization.

Ellie Anderson

21 snips
Femininity
Mentioned by 

as exploring similar philosophical issues to those discussed in the lecture.


Marci Shore

20 snips
Class 17: Husserl’s Children, Searching for the Other
Mentioned by Ahmed and 

in relation to the killing of Philando Castile and the Second Amendment.


Tamara Gilkes Borr

18 snips
The Weekend Intelligence: Should I own a gun?
Mentioned by 

as a central figure in existentialism and feminist philosophy.


Sean M. Carroll

16 snips
228 | Skye Cleary on Existentialism and Authenticity
Mentioned by 

as a book that really moved generations and changed the way people thought about gender relations.


Marci Shore

Class 16: The Second Sex
Mentioned by 

as a work by Simone de Beauvoir, in which she writes about how the only way love can work is if it's not about possession.


Victoria Hutchins

The Philosophy of Love
Referenced by Graham Bell, who was riffing off of it when he coined the term 'the second science'.

Mark Vellend, "Everything Evolves: Why Evolution Explains More than We Think, from Proteins to Politics" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Mentioned by 

in relation to the impact of Philando Castile's death.


Tamara Gilkes Borr

The Weekend Intelligence: Should I own a gun?
Discussed by ![undefined]()

and Faiza Parvis Jazra, focusing on the distinction between sex and gender and societal impact.

Amy McPhee

The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir, Episode 2
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in a discussion about feminist ideology and its impact on culture.

Seth Gruber

Satan Was The First Feminist | Lisa Bevere
Mentioned by 

as a book he read for the first time while preparing for the podcast.


David Runciman

Exploring the History of Ideas, with David Runciman
Mentioned as inspiring Simone de Beauvoir to write the book that is now considered the basis of present feminism.

Elisabeth Åsbrink, "1947: Where Now Begins" (Other Press, 2019)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a key influence on her book, highlighting Beauvoir's insights into women's lived experiences and the disjuncture between expectations and feelings.

Lori Jo Marso

Lori Jo Marso, "Feminism and the Cinema of Experience" (Duke UP, 2024)
Mentioned by David Runciman in the context of her views on power and protection.

From the archive: Votes for children! Why we should lower the voting age to six
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author's latest book, discussing the Second Amendment's history and impact on Black Americans.

Mark Mardell

Race and Guns in a Divided America, with Carol Anderson and Mark Mardell