Humanity, Freedom and Feminism

This book begins by analysing and critiquing second wave feminists who discuss how philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, Descartes, Hobbes and Kant regard human beings and their capacities. While some feminists seek to use ideas of the 'universal human subject' to include women, others argue that such ideas are intrinsically masculine and exclude the feminine and others seek to deconstruct the subject. The author suggests using an inclusive universal conception of the human being, drawn from ideas of positive liberty from the liberal tradition, Hegelian ideas of the formation of the free human being in society, and care ethics. The book then links this to international human rights and humanitarian law with a case study from the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.