In the heart of Oxford’s hallowed halls, a group of extraordinary women emerged as powerful voices in the world of philosophy. Known as the Oxford Quartet, Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Midgley, and Iris Murdoch defied the intellectual norms of their time, leaving an indelible mark on philosophical thought. Their story, told in the captivating book *The Oxford Quartet*, by Clare Mac Cumhaill and Rachael Wiseman, unveils the brilliance and resilience of these remarkable women.
The four women, all students at Somerville College during the tumultuous period leading up to World War II, shared a burning desire to challenge the patriarchal dominance within philosophy. They sought to offer a fresh perspective on the field, one that acknowledged the complexities of human experience and delved into the fundamental questions about morality, existence, and the meaning of life. Their defiance was palpable in 1956 when Elizabeth Anscombe, remembering the horrors of the atomic bomb, publicly opposed Oxford University’s decision to award an honorary degree to Harry S. Truman, the former American president. This act of courage, highlighting the moral complexities of war and its impact on humanity, underscored the quartet’s unwavering commitment to ethical inquiry.
As the war raged, the women huddled together in the midst of bombings, refusing to abandon their intellectual pursuits. With men at the front, they were thrust into a more equitable learning environment, challenging the established doctrines of Alfred Ayer, a proponent of logical positivism. The Oxford Quartet, however, sought a deeper understanding of human experience, one that explored the realm of morality and metaphysics. As Clare Mac Cumhaill and Rachael Wiseman write in their introduction, “We are metaphysical animals,” a sentiment that reflects the quartet’s profound commitment to addressing the existential questions that have haunted humanity throughout the ages.
The Oxford Quartet’s legacy extends beyond their individual contributions to philosophy. They embodied a collective force, a sisterhood united in their intellectual quest, forging a path for future generations of women philosophers. Elizabeth Anscombe became a prominent scholar of Wittgenstein, becoming one of his literary executors and translating his work. Iris Murdoch, known for her novels, championed existentialist thought, while Mary Midgley delved into the complexities of happiness, exploring its elusive nature and its connection to our interactions with the world.
The Oxford Quartet’s story resonates with contemporary feminist efforts to reclaim the voices of women who have been relegated to the margins of history. Their lives, their intellectual pursuits, and their unwavering commitment to questioning the status quo offer a powerful reminder that the pursuit of truth is not bound by gender. Their legacy, intertwined with their individual struggles, serves as an inspiration to all who seek to understand the human condition and its enduring mysteries.
