The transformations feminist thinking has brought about in phi-
losophy include not only new ways of working within tradition-
ally established areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics
(which we explore in subsequent chapters) but also the creation or rec-
ognition of new topics, areas of inquiry not previously considered part
of an academic philosophy curriculum. In some cases, these areas are
constituted by modes of thought which are part of ongoing traditions
stretching far back in time, and feminists argue that their richness and
integrity should be recognized and can function as a corrective to the
narrowness of Western philosophy's traditional outlook. This is true of
black feminist thought, American Indian feminist thought, and lesbian
philosophies. In some cases, the philosophical problems are of recent
origin, created by historical developments such as new art forms or
technological advances, and they require new modes of thought to ren-
der them intelligible. This is true of feminist aesthetics, the ethics of
reproductive technology, and environmental feminist philosophy. This
chapter introduces several of these fresh and creative additions to phi-
losophy's purview: black feminist thought, American Indian feminist
thought, lesbian philosophies, and environmental feminism. Limita-
tions of space both dictate this selectivity and limit the degree of depth
in which each area can be explored. The goal is simply to introduce
readers to the main issues in each of the three areas at the present time
and thus to enable them to explore further, beyond the confines of this
book. In addition, I hope to convey the sense of positive growth and
transformation that are taking place in philosophy and invite the reader

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