The Suspicion of Virtue: Women Philosophers in Neoclassical France

by Conley, John J.

• ISBN13: 9780801440205
• ISBN10: 0801440203
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-12-01
• Publisher: CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS

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.

Author Biography

John J. Conley, S.J. is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Note on Translation	xi
Introduction: Salon Philosophy	1	(19)
Madame de Sable: A Jansenist Code of Moderation	20	(25)
Madame Deshoulieres: A Naturalist Creed	45	(30)
Madame de la Sabliere: The Ethics of the Desert	75	(22)
Mademoiselle de la Valliere: The Logic of Mercy	97	(27)
Madame de Maintenon: A Moral Pragmatism	124	(33)
Conclusion: Unmasking Virtue	157	(10)
Appendix A. Maximes de Madame de Sable	167	(8)
Appendix B. Reflexions diverses de Madame Deshoulieres	175	(6)
Appendix C. Maximes Chretiennes de Madame de la Sabliere	181	(7)
Appendix D. Sur les vertus cardinales de Madame de Maintenon	188	(5)
Notes	193	(16)
Works Cited	209	(6)
Index	215