Abstract:

Conceptualizing transnational feminist ethics (or any ethics across differences) in a de-colonizing vein is a complicated philosophical project. The very possibly of such an ethic depends on some consideration of solidarity across differences. The concept of solidarity, in turn, has been intertwined with the concept of reciprocity. Yet, reciprocity eludes definition in simplistic terms in a world marked by unequal distribution, unequal access to resources, and conflict between different parties. In this talk, I intend to interrogate and redefine reciprocity" as a moral concept to facilitate better conceptualization of solidarity" across differences for feminist moral and social philosophy.The ontological and ethical framework I offer differs from the two dominant feminist philosophical voices on the debate, namely liberal feminism and an ethic of care. While traditional liberal feminism draws inspiration from liberal philosophy and attributes a great deal of normative significance tothe concept of reciprocity", an ethic of care radically shifts the center of moral gravity to non-reciprocal relations and argues for an ethic based on the metaphor of caregiver and cared-for. I argue that neither the liberal understanding of reciprocity, nor the ethic of care alternative of shifting to non-reciprocity as the primary site of moral meaning are viable paradigms for a decolonizing transnational ethic. The philosophical framework I offer serves as a counter-point to both these positions, and is more suited to dealing with ethics across differences, inequalities, andvulnerabilities.

About the Speaker:

Dr.Amrita Banerjee is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, USA. Her primary areas of research and teaching interest include Feminist Philosophies, Ethics, Social Philosophy, American Philosophy, and Feminist Existential Phenomenology. She has co-edited "Mothering from the Margins: New Philosophical Directions", and is the recipient of the Jane Addams Prize for the Best Paper in Feminist Philosophy.