The Socratic Pedagogy of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

Adriana Clavel-Vazquez, Sergio Armando Gallegos-Ordorica

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    Abstract

    Seventeenth-century Novohispanic nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is noted for her writings defending women’s right to education. This chapter argues she defends women’s right to education by advancing Socratic pedagogy. Four aspects of Socratic pedagogy are explained: the use of autobiography, the use of complex irony, the eliciting of shame, and the portrayal of philosophy as an erotic activity. The chapter then shows how each of these four techniques is present in Sor Juana’s writings defending women’s education. The chapter concludes by suggesting that the use of Socratic pedagogy allows Sor Juana to demonstrate her status as a worthy interlocutor while appearing to remain respectful of social hierarchies and gender norms.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Routledge Handbook of Women and Early Modern European Philosophy
    EditorsKaren Detlefsen, Lisa Shapiro
    Place of PublicationNew York
    Chapter35
    Pages479-492
    Number of pages14
    ISBN (Electronic)9781315450001
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Jun 2023

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