Thinking in Public with Albert Mohler cover image

Thinking in Public with Albert Mohler

'The Women are Up to Something' — A Conversation with Professor Benjamin Lipscomb

Dec 7, 2022
Professor Benjamin Lipscomb discusses the revolutionary women in 20th-century ethics. They focus on their impact on philosophy, access to colleges for women, intimate friendships among philosophers, and the debate between Anscombe and Lewis. The conversation delves into ethical naturalism, contrasting American and British perspectives, and the influence of philosophy post-World War II.
57:38

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Quick takeaways

  • Four women revolutionized ethics in the 20th century by challenging positivism and advocating for virtue ethics.
  • Their collaboration fostered alternative philosophical perspectives in ethics and a commitment to ethical realism.

Deep dives

The Influence of Four Women on Philosophy

Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foote, Mary Midgley, and Iris Murdoch reshaped ethical theory in the 20th century. Meeting at Oxford during the Second World War, these women underwent mentoring and encouragement that shaped their philosophical ideas. They challenged the dominant positivism of AJ Ayers, advocating for a return to virtues and vices to ground ethics in human nature. Midgley, in particular, focused on practical ethics, setting a path for applying ethical principles to real-life situations.

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