Philosophy in everyday life: Mary Midgley's clever perspective – for International Women's Day

Introduction

Mary Midgley was convinced that philosophy should not remain in an ivory tower, but must actively influence everyday life. She argued that social issues should be approached through joined-up thinking, ethical reflection and practical reason International Women's Day offers a special opportunity to apply her approaches – moving beyond mere slogans to a well-founded examination of equality, justice and social responsibility.

What it's about:

• How can philosophy open up new perspectives on gender and equality?

• What practical insights does Midgley offer?

• How can they be applied in everyday life?

1. Seeing the big picture instead of thinking in isolation

Midgley criticised the tendency to view problems in isolation. She understood reality as a web of economic, social and historical conditions. Debates about equality should therefore not be reduced to numbers and laws, but should also consider the deeper causes of inequality.

• How do gender roles arise from the interplay of culture, history and biology?

• What unspoken assumptions shape today's debates about equality

• Do measures to combat inequality only address the symptoms or do they tackle the root causes?

Philosophical thinking encourages a more nuanced approach and avoids jumping to conclusions.

2. Question cultural norms

Midgley called for a critical examination of social beliefs Many gender norms seem self-evident, but their legitimacy is not a given. Are certain expectations really ‘natural’ or are they rather the result of cultural conditioning and historical structures?

• How have ideas about gender roles changed over time?

• Who benefits from maintaining certain norms?

• Which social rules are necessary and which ones restrict individuals

Questioning cultural assumptions leads to a deeper understanding of justice and self-determination.

3. Ethics must be based on reality, not ideology

Midgley was sceptical of dogmatic thinking – in both conservative and progressive currents. She emphasised that ethics must arise from lived experience and informed reflection, not from rigid principles

• What does ‘equality’ mean in practice, beyond abstract demands?

• Do debates on equality take into account the complex realities of life?

• Is the aim to achieve real fairness or ideological standardisation?

A well-thought-out ethical approach recognises areas of tension and seeks practical solutions rather than symbolic measures.

4. Power and responsibility are shared

Midgley criticised simplistic narratives of guilt and victimhood. She called for a differentiated analysis of power relations and for responsibility to be fairly distributed between individuals and institutions.

• How do historical inequalities influence today's social structures?

• Do proposed measures strengthen self-determination or create new dependencies?

• What role does personal responsibility play in the implementation of equality

A serious philosophical approach recognises that justice can only be achieved through mutual accountability.

5. Open debate instead of bans on thinking

Midgley emphasised that philosophy thrives on discussion and critical reflection. A genuine commitment to justice requires open debate in which ideas are examined and developed.

• What unspoken assumptions influence our ideas of equality

• Do debates leave space for different perspectives?

• How do we foster a culture that encourages reflection rather than deepening division?

True progress requires intellectual openness and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs over and over again.

Conclusion

Mary Midgley's philosophical approach offers a valuable corrective to superficial debates on equality Her work teaches us to take social complexity seriously, to question traditional beliefs and to integrate ethical reflection into real-life experiences. International Women's Day is a good opportunity to think beyond simple narratives about real fairness and responsibility.

Justice requires critical reflection, debate and action. Let us all actively engage in all three.