“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman”, wrote Simone de Beauvoir in The Second Sex (1949). Gender is ambiguous, which is reflected in our actions and ways of perceiving, relating, speaking and referring to each other. The Forum for Feminist Philosophy at NTNU tackles various aspects of feminist thinking about gender, sexuality, body, subject formation, politics and power. The perspectives will include phenomenological, as well as psychological, psychoanalytic and later post-structuralist and discursive perspectives on gender.

Today, traditional ideals and beliefs about gender often collide against gender openness and ambiguity. Does natural gender exist? Or are gender and gendered existence ways of acting in line with established cultural norms and ideals? How is a gendered self established in relation to others? And in what way is gender linked to power? How does gender and gendered perspectives appear in popular culture, as well as in literature, film and other art? Is there a feminine subject? Or a feminine political point of view? How do experiences with one’s own physicality make themselves felt in an ethical and identity-political discourse?

The purpose of the forum is to inspire reflections on gender, power and sexuality, in addition to bringing together students across disciplines for fruitful philosophical exchange. The seminar is inclusive and presents a low threshold for participation. The discussions will be based on presentations by students or staff, as the forum is organized by students from undergraduate, graduate and PhD-levels along with members of the faculty. The forum is supervised by Professor in Philosophy Ståle Finke. To gain access to texts and other material, contact Professor Finke to be registered on the seminar's Blackboard.

Our partners include:

• The Women's Philosophy Network at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at NTNU;
• The Center for Gender Research at the University of Oslo; and
• The Center for Gender Research at the Department of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies at NTNU.