Ep. #196 – What is a Woman? Sex, Gender, & Pronouns w/ Dr. Tomas Bogardus
Summary
What, if anything, do the modern gender movements get right? What is a woman (or a man)? How should we think philosophically and biologically about this question? What can we say to naturalists regarding the concept of teleology? How do we respond to those who claim that “woman” does not need a definition? What are gendered pronouns, and as Catholics, how can we navigate this issue honestly yet respectfully? Dr. Tomas Bogardus joins the Classical Theism podcast once again to discuss these questions and more.
Guest Bio
Tomas Bogardus is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He earned his BS in biology at UC San Diego, his MA in philosophy at Biola University, and his Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. He works mainly in metaphysics and epistemology and is most interested in the mind-body problem and the rationality of religious belief.
Recently, he has published several papers on the philosophy of gender and the philosophy of knowledge. His hobbies include woodworking, bodyboarding, surfing, and no-gi jiu-jitsu. He lives with his wife and daughter in California, and they enjoy attending Mass at Thomas Aquinas College.
Topics
- Dr. Bogardus’ update since his last appearance, including work with the Thomistic Institute and newly published paper(s)
- What is biological determinism and is this view true or false?
- What does the concept of disease have to do with teleology in nature?
- Are there any plausible definitions of “man” or “woman” besides the traditional ones?
- What are the problems with saying a woman is anyone who identifies as a woman?
- How does “feeling” like a woman (or man) pose the same dilemma?
- What should we think about revisionist pronoun use?
Resources
If Naturalism is True, then Scientific Explanation is Impossible (journal article) by Dr. Tomas Bogardus
Thomistic Institute Podcast – Soundcloud page including episodes with Dr. Bogardus
Evaluating Arguments for the Sex/Gender Distinction – 2020 paper by Dr. Bogardus
Some Internal Problems with Revisionary Gender Concepts – 2020 paper by Dr. Bogardus
Dr. Bogardus’ Personal Website – Includes links to his other papers
Why Study Philosophy? – Dr. Bogardus answers the question
Related Episodes
BONUS – Philosophy of Gender w/ Dr. Bogardus
Ep. #99 – What to Say and How to Say It w/ Brandon Vogt
Ep. #50 – Logic Pointers & Speaking Truth in the Beauty of Love w/ Dr. Bryan Cross
Acknowledgments
This show notes page was prepared by Joseph J. of the CT Research Team.
