MODRANDE & PRAXIS Ulla Holm 1993

This feminist-philosophical treatise on mothering is concerned with what mothers typically do in nursing children and caring for them. It inquires into the norms they follow and the values and virtues they embrace, not merely in this society but in all societies in which children are cared for. Accordingly, it contains much criticism of social institutions.

Part I sketches what current feminist research has to say on what a woman is and on so called standpoint epistemology. It argues that philosophers who want to turn against androcentric perspectives will find it rewarding to leave ontology and epistemology alone, at least for the time being, and favour values, norms, and actions.

Part II inquires into mothering as a social practice, i.e. as a human activity done for a purpose and according to certain habits, traditions, et.c. It criticizes biological reductionism, develops the notion of practice and investigates mothering and surrounding practices, some of which have turned into professions (nursing, teaching, and so forth).

Part III develops the Aristotelian notion of praxis as cooperation and conversation among peers in which these form themselves into fellow human beings. A case is being made for the view that mothering is or can be made into a praxis and that its values and norms challenge Kantianism, Rawlsian contractualism and Harean utilitarianism. No polarization of androcentrism and gynocentrism is sought for. Mothering is set free from its tie to both biological motherhood and to women. However, a gynocentric perspective seems to give it much of its force and value.

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