On Not Making Ourselves the Prey of Others: Jean Hampton's Feminist Contractarianism
24 Pages Posted: 19 May 2013
Abstract
This article assesses Jean Hampton’s feminist contractarianism by considering the way in which she draws together the contradictory positions of Hobbes and Kant to produce a test for exploitation in personal relationships. The ways in which this work fits with her other analysis of retribution, gratitude and self-worth are examined. Hampton’s work is evaluated in the context of Carole Pateman’s argument that moral theories distract from the political analysis of who has a voice in relationships. Hampton’s work presumes the social and economic structures that Pateman has done so much to understand. It is useful as a claim for justice in personal relationships, to be considered as part of consciousness-raising or public debate.
Keywords: feminist contractarianism, Hobbes, Jean Hampton, Kant, personhood, self-worth
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