Philosophy Tea - Charlotte Perkins Gilman

American writer and activist Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1934) was the topic of the Philosophy Tea session on October 17, 2017 (produced by Paul Kessel) with Peter Wallensteen and Daniel Ogden. Central in their discussion is Gilman’s book on the utopia of Herland (suggested by Angela Muvumba Sellström, in Swedish Jungfrulandet) from 1915. It is about a country of only women but where three curious men suddenly enter. The two speakers note that these explorers find a society that is highly cooperative, well-functioning, and weapons-free. In this way Gilman can provide a satirical mirror of European societies at the time, for instance, on security matters (the women use a “pentagonal” defence strategy versus the First World War going on in Europe) and on educational systems (in line with the practice of Maria Montessori rather the traditional authoritarian schools). They mention that this work was rediscovered in the 1970s and became important in the new feminist movements, not least for its focus on motherhood. The questions from the audience cover issues of how conflicts were solved in Herland and what Gilman would have written today.

This episode was recorded and edited at Reginateatern, which also served as the host venue for the event on 17 October 2017.

Producer: Paul Kessel

The Philosophy Tea talks were held regularly at the Regina Theatre in Uppsala from 2014 to 2021. During these well attended events – where tea, scones and jam were served – Professor Peter Wallensteen and Guest Lecturer Daniel Ogden, both of Uppsala University, discussed thinkers who have contributed to our understanding of peace and justice. In all, 40 sessions were held, of which 31 are recorded. The session were also supported by Uppsala University as part of its outreach activities.