We encounter autonomy in virtually every area of philosophy: in its relation with rationality, personality, self-identity, authenticity, freedom, moral values and motivations, and forms of government, legal, and social institutions. At the same time, the notion of autonomy has been the subject of significant criticism. Some argue that autonomy outweighs or even endangers interpersonal or collective values, while others believe it alienates subjects who don't possess a strong form of autonomy.

These marginalized subjects and communities include persons with physical or psychological disabilities, those in dire economic conditions, LGBTI persons, ethnic and religious minorities, and women in traditional communities or households. This volume illuminates possible patterns in these criticisms of autonomy by bringing to light and critically assessing the contribution of women throughout the history of philosophy on this important subject. The essays in this collection cover a wide range of historical periods and influential female philosophers and thinkers, from medieval philosophy through to contemporary debates.

Important authors whose work is considered, among many others, include Hildegard of Bingen, Margaret Cavendish, Anne Conway, Mary Wollstonecraft, Susan Moller Okin, Helene Cixous, Iris Marion Young, and Judith Jarvis Thomson. Women Philosophers on Autonomy will enlighten and inform contemporary debates on autonomy by bringing into the conversation previously neglected female perspectives from throughout history.

Sandrine Bergès is associate professor in philosophy at Bilkent University in Ankara. Her books include: The Routledge Companion to Wollstonecraft?s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and A Feminist Perspective on Virtue Ethics. She also co-edited The Social and Political Philosophy of Mary Wollstonecraft (with Alan Coffee).

Alberto L. Siani is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Civilizations and Forms of Knowledge at Università di Pisa, after being an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Yeditepe University, Istanbul. Among others, he published Morte dell?arte, libertà del soggetto. Attualità di Hegel (2017), and edited L?estetica di Hegel (2014, with Mario Farina).