
About this episode
The episode explores the life and philosophy of 18th-century Korean philosopher Im Yunjidang, focusing on her arguments for women's equality and moral decision-making.
More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/im-yunjidang. 18th-century Korean philosopher Im Yunjidang was the first Confucian to argue for women’s equality in matters of morality and to claim that women, just like men, can be sages. She also argued that it isn't just what you do that matters morally—it's also how you decide. So what does it mean to be a sage and how does someone become one? How did Im Yunjidang use traditional Confucian texts to argue for women's spiritual equality? And what did she think was important when it comes to making difficult moral choices? Josh and Ray explore her life and thought with Hwa Yeong Wang from Duke Kunshan University, editor of "Korean Women Philosophers and the Ideal of a Female Sage: The Essential of Writings of Im Yungjidang and Gang Jeongildang."
People in this episode
Hosts: Josh, Ray
Guest: Hwa Yeong Wang
Topics covered
- women's equality
- Confucian philosophy
- moral decision-making
- sagehood
- Korean philosophy
Keywords
- Im Yunjidang
- women's equality
- Confucianism
- moral choices
- sagehood
- Korean philosophy
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Duke Kunshan University
Books & works: Korean Women Philosophers and the Ideal of a Female Sage: The Essential of Writings of Im Yungjidang and Gang Jeongildang
More episodes of Philosophy Talk: Select Episodes
- Dostoevsky and Doubting Faith · May 11, 2026 · 4 min
- "Select Episodes" is ending · March 1, 2026 · 1 min
- Can Money Buy Well-being? · February 14, 2026 · 51 min
- Anna Julia Cooper · January 30, 2026 · 52 min
- The Examined Year: 2025 · January 1, 2026 · 1 min
- Gilbert Ryle and the Map of the Mind · January 1, 2026 · 1 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Philosophy Talk: Select Episodes podcast page.