The Originality and Sincerity of Claude Buffier’s Pro-Woman Arguments

Abstract Cartesian philosophy of mind is regarded as the source of the most compelling early modern contributions to the querelle des femmes. A central element of these contributions was the mitigation of embodiment in women’s intellectual lives. Given the importance of the notion of embodiment in contemporary feminist discussions, one might have thought that the influence of early modern philosophical contributions was doomed to disappear. This chapter opposes such a view by focusing on Claude Buffier’s pro-woman arguments. Firstly, it shows the importance that Buffier attaches to embodiment in his vindication of women’s capacities. Secondly, it addresses his epistemology to explain how embodiment can be the source of an epistemic advantage. It then highlights the originality of his arguments by comparing them with those of Poulain de la Barre. Finally, the chapter examines Buffier’s conception of science to show that his vindication of women’s capacities was sincere.