<P>Iris Murdoch was one of the best-known philosophers and novelists of the post-war period. In this book, Sabina Lovibond explores the tangled issue of Murdoch's stance towards gender and feminism, drawing upon the evidence of her fiction, philosophy, and　other public statements.</P>
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<P>As well as analysing Murdoch's own attitudes, <EM>Iris Murdoch, Gender and Philosophy</EM> is also a critical enquiry into the way we picture intellectual, and especially philosophical, activity. Appealing to the idea of a 'social imaginary' within which Murdoch's work is located, Lovibond examines the sense of incongruity or dissonance that may still affect our image of a woman philosopher, even where egalitarian views officially hold sway.</P>
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<P>The first thorough exploration of Murdoch and gender, <EM>Iris Murdoch, Gender and Philosophy </EM>is a fresh contribution to debates in feminist philosophy and gender studies, and essential reading for anyone interested in Murdoch's literary and philosophical writing.</P>