A feminist theory of relations based upon the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead

The thesis of this manuscript is that a constructive feminist theory of relations may be based upon the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. The organic philosophy of Whitehead is a relational philosophy which complements feminist thought and which may be useful for advancing feminist claims. Feminist attempts to propose alternatives to patriarchal or hierarchical relations may be supported, even enhanced, by the rigor and comprehensiveness of a philosophical perspective.; While Whitehead's thought is compatible with feminist thought, it would be inappropriate to use Whitehead's process philosophy uncritically. Feminist theory may be informed by process philosophy, when we are conscious of its limitations and when women's concerns define our agenda. A Whiteheadian feminist voice--a perspective which expresses feminist concerns using Whitehead's conceptuality appropriately--may expand the dimensions of feminism, while also modifying and extending Whitehead's philosophy. Whitehead's doctrine of internal relations, however, lends itself to the construction of a feminist theory of relations.; I approach the construction of a feminist theory of relations as a Whiteheadian feminist theologian. Both feminist and Whiteheadian thought fund my perspective. The relationship of feminism and process thought suggests a number of possible approaches to the current topic. The approach that I have selected is to write as a feminist in an attempt to persuade a feminist audience that Whitehead's philosophy is a valuable resource for constructing a feminist theory of relations.; Five chapters structure my argument and advance my thesis that Whitehead's philosophy may be a useful basis for a feminist theory of relations. Chapter one recognizes Karl Barth's theology as an example of relational Christian theology, but evaluates Barth's theology as an inadequate paradigm for women who find themselves and nature subordinated in his theology. Chapter two establishes the complementarity of feminism and Whiteheadian philosophy, a compatibility that recommends Whitehead's philosophy as a basis for a feminist theory of relations. Chapters three, four, and five advance the thesis through particular consideration of human relations with nature, human-human relationships, and the God-world relationship. The final chapters demonstrate specifically how Whiteheadian thought may contribute to a feminist theory of relations.