Adams, Carol J. The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory. Continuum, 1990. Adams explores the intersections of feminism, vegetarianism, and animal rights, arguing that patriarchal oppression of women and the exploitation of animals are deeply linked. She critiques the objectification and commodification of female bodies, drawing parallels with the consumption of meat. Written at a time when vegetarians where pretty far out there, this is still pretty groundbreaking in the line of thinking it lays out.

Braidotti, Rosi. Nomadic Subjects: Embodiment and Sexual Difference in Contemporary Feminist Theory. Columbia University Press, 1994. Braidotti develops the concept of "nomadic subjectivity" as a feminist framework to challenge fixed identities and boundaries. She argues for fluid and shifting identities, particularly in relation to gender and embodiment, to resist the constraints of traditional binaries. This work is near and dear to my heart because it captures and theorizes my own cross-cultural, multi-racial, bilingual upraising, and also I was once hired because I look a lot like her - physically as well as on paper.

Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990. Butler revolutionizes feminist and queer theory by challenging the notion of gender as a fixed, natural identity. Through the concept of performativity, she argues that gender is a series of acts and behaviors, destabilizing the binary of male/female and opening up possibilities for subverting gender norms. Bodies that Matter may be even more so my favorite - I can’t decide.

Chanter, Tina. Ethics of Eros: Irigaray’s Rewriting of the Philosophers. Routledge, 1995. Chanter analyzes the work of French feminist philosopher Luce Irigaray, focusing on her critiques of the Western philosophical tradition. She explores how Irigaray reinterprets concepts like desire, subjectivity, and ethics through a feminist lens, advocating for new ways of thinking about gender and identity. A formative work for me by one of my favorite people in philosophy, my former professor and advisor. My trajectory through graduate school would not have been the same without her work.

Frye, Marilyn. The Politics of Reality: Essays in Feminist Theory. Crossing Press, 1983. This collection of essays by Frye addresses oppression, sexism, and the lived experiences of women, particularly in relation to systemic power structures. Her work is noted for its accessible yet profound analysis of feminist issues like sexual objectification and the politics of difference. The analysis is so real and honest that it’s like a punch in the gut but in a good way, if you know what I mean.

Grosz, Elizabeth. Volatile Bodies: Toward a Corporeal Feminism. Indiana University Press, 1994. Grosz explores how the body is central to feminist theory, proposing a "corporeal feminism" that foregrounds the physical body in discussions of identity, power, and subjectivity. She challenges mind-body dualism and emphasizes the importance of the materiality of the body in shaping experiences of gender. In my opinion, the most underrated philosopher of the 20th Century.

Haraway, Donna J. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. Routledge, 1991. Haraway offers a postmodern critique of the boundaries between humans, animals, and machines. Best known for her "Cyborg Manifesto," she argues for new forms of identity that transcend traditional categories, proposing the cyborg as a feminist metaphor for breaking down binaries of nature and culture. We need this updated with an “AI Manifesto,” who wants to help me write it?

Irigaray, Luce. An Ethics of Sexual Difference. Translated by Carolyn Burke and Gillian C. Gill, Cornell University Press, 1993. Irigaray cuts Western philosophy to the bone for its obliteration of woman at the level of metaphysics. In this work in particular, she argues for an ethics based on sexual difference, one that recognizes and values the distinct experiences of men and women without subordinating women to men, in a style that is unique and ground-breaking.

Lorde, Audre. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press, 1984. Lorde’s collection of essays and speeches addresses issues of race, gender, sexuality, and class. Her intersectional approach challenges mainstream feminist theory by highlighting the importance of addressing multiple forms of oppression and celebrates the power of difference in forging coalitions. Some of the most beautiful essays ever written.

Lugones, Maria. Pilgrimages/Peregrinajes: Theorizing Coalition Against Multiple Oppressions. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2003. Lugones presents a framework for theorizing resistance and coalition-building among marginalized groups, with an emphasis on women of color. She advocates for a pluralistic feminism that acknowledges multiple identities and forms of oppression, stressing the importance of solidarity across differences. She was a true activist and public scholar, and is like that band that all your favorite bands admire - we all adored her and she is deeply missed.

Narayan, Uma. Dislocating Cultures: Identities, Traditions, and Third World Feminism. Routledge, 1997. Narayan critiques Western feminist assumptions about "Third World women" and examines how colonialism and globalization affect feminist movements. She argues for a nuanced, context-specific approach to feminism that recognizes the unique challenges and oppressions faced by women in non-Western contexts. For me, this book is the essence of post-colonial feminist philosophy.

Oliver, Kelly. Witnessing: Beyond Recognition. University of Minnesota Press, 2001. Oliver explores the concept of "witnessing" as an ethical response to others, focusing on how we can move beyond recognition and toward a deeper engagement with difference. She integrates psychoanalytic theory with feminist philosophy to argue for new ways of relating to marginalized subjects. He reworking of Hegelian recognition, and critique of vision as the model for knowing, is beyond compare.

Sullivan, Shannon. Revealing Whiteness: The Unconscious Habits of Racial Privilege. Indiana University Press, 2006. Sullivan examines how white privilege operates through unconscious habits and practices in everyday life. She critiques traditional approaches to understanding race and privilege, advocating for a more nuanced exploration of how racial identities are formed and maintained through habit and embodiment. A white person doing and moddeling the work of anti-racist ally-ship.

Tuana, Nancy, editor. Feminist Interpretations of Plato. Pennsylvania State University Press, 1994. This anthology explores Plato’s work through a feminist lens, challenging traditional interpretations of his philosophy. Contributors address issues like the role of women in Plato’s writings and the implications of his theories for feminist thought, questioning the patriarchal underpinnings of classical philosophy. This early collection of essays on ancient philosophy is one of the touchstones for my own work.

Ward, Julie K., editor. Feminism and Ancient Philosophy. Routledge, 1996. This collection brings together essays that re-examine the works of ancient philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics through feminist perspectives. The contributors explore how ancient philosophical texts can be reinterpreted to address feminist concerns about gender, power, and ethics. She reads the ancients proper and good.

Waithe, Mary Ellen, editor. A History of Women Philosophers. Volume 1: 600 BC - 500 AD. Springer, 1987. This volume is part of a series dedicated to recovering the work of women philosophers throughout history. The first volume focuses on women philosophers from antiquity, challenging the male-dominated narrative of the history of philosophy and providing insights into their contributions. An important labor of love, and reference for all of us.

Williams, Patricia J. The Alchemy of Race and Rights: Diary of a Law Professor. Harvard University Press, 1991. Every once in a while you read a book that tries to do something experimental and succeeds, and this was my experience of this book. Williams blends personal narrative, critical race theory, and legal scholarship to explore the intersections of race, law, and rights in America. Her work challenges traditional notions of justice, exposing the ways in which the legal system perpetuates racial and gender inequalities.

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