From Exclusion to Inclusion: The Case of Filipino Women Philosophers

I argue in this article that, apart from foreign women philosophers, Filipino women philosophers also deserve due recognition. Moreover, I advocate for the inclusion of the works of Filipino women philosophers in the canon of writings required to philosophy students, alongside the works of Filipino male philosophers. I, first, discuss the general exclusion of women philosophers in the history of philosophy, emphasizing some biases against the works of these women. I, then, turn to the case of rather unsung Filipino women philosophers who are pioneers in their fields. I provide my preliminary notes on the interesting contributions of Magdelana Villaba, Josephine Pasricha, Narcisa Paredes-Canilao, and Mary John Mananzan. The aim of this article is not to be exhaustive, but, rather, to encourage conversation that will hopefully change the terrain of Filipino philosophy.