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Conley's treatment of this most complex philosophical/theological corpus is masterful, and his final estimation of her ethics of resistance appears apt . . . Conley argues convincingly for the relevance of the philosophy developed in the writings of the Arnauld nuns. He has made a valuable contribution to the recognition of the intellectual and spiritual treasures to be minded in convent literature. --The Catholic Historical Review . . . [A] fascinating exploration of the writings of three seventeenth-century abbesses of Port-Royal. . . Not only does Conley introduce readers to a little studied corpus of early modern women's writing, but he also builds a convincing case that this corpus makes important contributions to early modern philosophy. . . [The book] provides an excellent history of . . . a very important early modern religious controversy. It introduces readers to the extraordinarily rich, and radically understudied, field of early modern convent writing. Additionally, it makes a compelling case for the expansion of the philosophical canon through the inclusion of religious works by women, a move that medievalists interested in women's religious texts ought to consider emulating. . . --The Medieval Review As the book's subtitle suggests, much of the focus is on Port-Royal's convent philosophy. This book is well worth the attention of a broad range of scholars and students. Conley shows clearly how the Arnauld abbesses were rather modern in their promotion of female autonomy and conscience, even as they defended a philosophy and a theology that saw but sin in human nature, and drew heavily on the most pessimistic theses of Augustine and various disciples of his. --The Journal of Church History

John J. Conley, S.J., brings to life, in amazing technicolor, the complex personalities of the long-overlooked and complicated Port-Royal Arnaud women philosophers. Steeped in historical, religious, and philosophical significance, Conley's lively account highlights the intricacies of the historical setting of the Port-Royal Convent--the political intrigues, the economic power plays, and the often desperate condition of the women who are the main characters. This is an exciting and useful contribution for those teaching philosophy, religion, women's studies, French literary studies, and history. -- Mary Ellen Waithe

<p>. . . [A] fascinating exploration of the writings of three seventeenth-century abbesses of Port-Royal. . . Not only does Conley introduce readers to a little studied corpus of early modern women's writing, but he also builds a convincing case that this corpus makes important contributions to early modern philosophy. . . [The book] provides an excellent history of . . . a very important early modern religious controversy. It introduces readers to the extraordinarily rich, and radically understudied, field of early modern convent writing. Additionally, it makes a compelling case for the expansion of the philosophical canon through the inclusion of religious works by women, a move that medievalists interested in women's religious texts ought to consider emulating. . .. -- The Medieval Review

Author Information

John J. Conley, S.J., is Henry J. Knott Professor of Philosphy and Theology at Loyola College in Maryland. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including The Suspicion of Virtue: Women Philosophers in Neoclassical France.

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