The Suspicion of Virtue: Women Philosophers in Neoclassical France

Description

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 Sablière, 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. Cover The Suspicion of Virtue Title Copyright Dedication Contents Preface Note on Translation I. Introduction: Salon Philosophy II. Madame de Sablé: A Jansenist Code of Moderation III. Madame Deshoulières: A Naturalist Creed IV. Madame de la Sablière: The Ethics of the Desert V. Mademoiselle de laVallière: The Logic of Mercy VI. Madame de Maintenon: A Moral Pragmatism VII. Conclusion: Unmasking Virtue Appendix A. Maximes de Madame de Sablé Appendix B.Réflexions diverses de Madame Deshouliéres Appendix C. Maximes Chrètiennes de Madame de la Sablière Appendix D. Surles vertus cardinales de Madame de Maintenon Notes Works Cited Index