Middle ages and modernity: Philosophy, science and spirituality of three women who left their mark

This paper seeks to recover the contributions of three women from different eras, often overlooked by the intellectual canon: Rosvita of Gandersheim, Hildegard of Bingen, and Elisabeth of Bohemia. The examination will encompass key elements of their thought, linked to the philosophy and science of their time. In the case of Rosvita, we will highlight how she challenged culturally ingrained stereotypes. Regarding Hildegard of Bingen, the focus will be on her contribution to the development of the philosophical and scientific fields. Finally, we will revisit Elisabeth of Bohemia’s perspective on Cartesian dualism. To this end, we will follow the methodological and hermeneutical approach of Alain de Libera’s philosophical archaeology. This approach involves uncovering the layers of formulations embedded in the ‘great problems of philosophy’ and revealing the various discourses that still influence us today. This analysis enables us to assert that there is no singular reading of the history of thought and that the contributions of these women represent a valuable intellectual resource for understanding contemporary science and philosophy.