Women in Parenthesis

Women in Parenthesis is an ongoing research collaboration between Rachael Wiseman (Liverpool) and Clare Mac Cumhaill (Durham).

The project works to bring to light an alternative stream of metaphysical and moral thinking in twentieth century philosophy and to map its legacy today. To this end, the centre supports scholarly work, philosophical engagement and projects on the Wartime Quartet of Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Midgley and Iris Murdoch as well as connected figures such as Dorothy Emmet, Donald MacKinnon, Julius Kovesi and Heinz Cassirer. Associated with the Research Centre is an international network of over 100 scholars, who interact through Mapping the Quartet. 

Alongside research, the Women in Parenthesis Research Centre is home to a number of outreach and engagement projects, including Notes from a Biscuit Tin. 

The major output of the project is Clare and Rachael’s book, Metaphysical Animals: How Four Women Brought Philosophy Back to Life. The project has been funded by the BA, the BSHP and the BSA, and received an AHRC grant of £440,346 (2019 – 2023).