ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the contrary thesis, the traditional idea that there might be an important connection between political theory and metaphysics. It also explores the idea that political theory—in this case, feminist theory—does have consequences for metaphysics. Two claims are particularly important to consider. The first is the idea that every acceptable feminist theory is inherently anti-metaphysical. The second major claim is that feminist theory makes a distinctive contribution to metaphysics. Drawing upon the work done by feminist historians of philosophy that shows the tradition to be male-biased and even misogynist, some feminist thinkers have argued for the rejection of traditional philosophy as a whole. Other feminist philosophers have extended the reach of male bias back to the origins of the philosophical tradition in the West. Catharine MacKinnon's situates her views on the question of human nature within a historicist, contextualist framework. Her criticism of existing categories and institutions requires a normative concept of humanity.
