Christine De Pizan Argument

In philosophical history, female writers and philosophers have often been overshadowed by men. Until recent times, the works of women philosophers were vastly ignored. It has been the work of scholars now to shed light on the writings of those women philosophers who were overlooked. Christine de Pizan is one of those women philosophers. Her writings were astonishingly ahead of the time period, the middle ages. Her arguments which were feminist in nature preceded the women's rights movement and feminist theory that would be established many years later. In this essay, I will discuss the role of feminism in Christine de Pizan’s life and writings. Specifically, how bell hooks’ definition of feminism can be applied to the points Christine de Pizan (CdP) makes

She tried her hardest to shed light on the injustices that women faced and the patriarchal system that promulgated such views. In her writings, she challenged and provided counter-evidence to the theological and scientific arguments that promoted the inferiority of women. Her works during the middle ages were a progression in the history of women's rights. Complimenting bell hooks definition, CdP acknowledged that sexist thinking was a problem in society and that such thinking promoted views about women that were not true. CdP was adamant about addressing such sexism throughout The Book of the City of Ladies. Her works, considered during the time period she resided in, would most likely be considered feminist. Personally, I loved reading about her and her writing. It was a different viewpoint she brought in about the status of women that I wasn’t used to. As feminist thinking now doesn't necessarily emphasize theology and the importance of equality of the sexes under God, it was pleasant to read about such things. I admire her for her ability and courage to speak about inequalities that she saw in society and how she challenged such