ABSTRACT
While Thomas Aquinas cannot be turned into a feminist, his social thought can provide insights that are important for contemporary feminism. For religious feminists, particularly for those who have been formed in the traditions of Catholic Christianity, Aquinas can offer invaluable points of contact between contemporary feminist concerns for justice for women, and our religious traditions, which so often seem to be antithetical to such a commitment. By its own logic, feminist discourse pushes the boundaries of liberalism in the direction of either a radical or a more communitarian vision. This chapter begins with contemporary feminist thought, in order to set a context for constructive remarks. It asks what Aquinas' general social thought can contribute to the search for justice for women. The chapter turns to a more difficult question, namely, what are to make of Aquinas' remarks on women? It offers a few brief comments on the religious significance of his thought.
