This week, ‘feminism’ and ‘the feminine’ – perhaps even ‘chauvinism’ and the ‘masculine’ – will be the core themes of our conversations. Despite what many feminists might claim, the debates that rage within feminist thought are often furiously interesting. The most central one is that of ‘essentialism’ versus ‘anti-essentialism’. Some believe that gender is completely a social construct, shaped by power relations and discourse. Others claim that women and men have innate natures, related purely to our biological makeup. There are nevertheless a myriad of other attempts to reconcile the preceding positions. The following questions will guide the discussion:
 

The discussion promises to be vibrant and interesting, especially should you decide to prepare and contribute. As always, those who wish only to listen are also more than welcome.
 

Jacques Lacan

For inquiries, contact the administrators; Lukas Nowak, Mark Kourie, Stefan Smit on: [email protected]

[1] “The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato.”

Alfred North Whitehead, Process and Reality

*Footnotes to Plato is a group at the University of Pretoria dedicated to matters of philosophical interest. The group holds weekly meetings where these topics are discussed and elaborated upon. Apart from the frequent smaller informal discussions by post-graduate students on topics of particular interest to them, Footnotes organises meetings in which more topical, controversial and hopefully fun discussions take place. Other events, such as the screening of philosophical films, are also organised by Footnotes. If you are a student of philosophy, or just have a general interest in philosophy, you are welcome to join our group and the discussions that it facilitates. Philosophy is first and foremost a discursive matter, so join us in bringing philosophy to life by participating in the discussions.