Abstract

This chapter examines the relation between Beauvoir's philosophy and Hegel's thought. It discusses Beauvoir's uses of Hegelian terms and themes in her two major philosophical works: The Ethics of Ambiguity and The Second Sex. These themes include most centrally Beauvoir's adaptation of Hegel's account of the ‘struggle for recognition’ and his views on sexual difference, history and the nature of philosophical thought. The chapter goes on to discuss debates about the significance of Hegel for Beauvoir's philosophy in different interpretations of Beauvoir. It will be concluded that debates over Beauvoir's relation to Hegel reflect the strategic and creative nature of her engagement with his thought.