My research focuses broadly on the history of emotions, with a focus on early modern theories of the passions and virtue. I am interested in the way in which early modern thinkers understood our emotional lives as they connect to questions of morality and politics. My interest in this regard has culminated in my PhD thesis on the reception of Descartes’ Passions of the Soul in England. My current research looks at the way in which (mostly) women philosophers have used Cartesian philosophy as a foundation for the development of an egalitarian feminist ethic, beginning with Mary Astell and François Poullain de la Barre, and culminating in Simone de Beauvoir.

The key thinkers I am interested in are René Descartes, Mary Astell, Margaret Cavendish, and Nicholas Malebranche.

Personal Website: http://philosophyafterdark.com

Contact: maks.sipowicz@gmail.com