Gendered lights of reason

The aim of this volume is to shed light on several female figures who, in the era in which they lived, spoke out against the penalizing misogynistic theories that forced women into silence and submission. The various essays collected here analyse their journey to emancipation through their writing, highlighting a sort of proto-feminist empowerment that makes them even more relevant and interesting. Broadening our temporal and spatial horizons, it becomes clear that reason, in the sense of logos, from Aristotle onwards considered the exclusive preserve of men, was also the prerogative of women. Those who were able to make use of it effectively translated theoretical assertions into concrete pragmatism. In the present day, the words that these female writers have handed down to us resound more loudly than ever. The light of reason shines brightly, regardless of either gender or time.