The State of Feminist Philosophy: "Men Are Hurting Themselves While Hurting Women"

The concept of patriarchy is often presented as an unquestionable starting point for analysis, rather than a conclusion to be tested. This post examines a fascinating philosophical exchange where that very assumption was put under scrutiny. In his book The Second Sexism, David Benatar, among many other things, also challenges the idea that all male disadvantages are merely side-effects of patriarchy.

Feminist philosophers Ward Jones and Lindsay Kelland accused him of ignoring the big picture — claiming that phenomena like corporal punishment of boys are actually part of men 'hurting themselves in the process of hurting women.'

I’ve summarized the key points of their debate. The most striking takeaway? This exchange suggests that your average Reddit debate on the topic is probably not that different from what happens between people with philosophical degrees and professorships.