Metaphysical Animals tells the story of four philosophers who met at Oxford University during World War Two: Iris Murdoch, Philippa Foot, Elizabeth Anscombe and Mary Midgley.
This website Maps the Quartet’s lives in Oxford, Cambridge and London and connects current enthusiasts with each other.
Metaphysical Animals
How Four Women Brought Philosophy Back to Life
Clare Mac Cumhaill, Rachael Wiseman
Meet the Quartet
Maps
Explore our maps to follow in the footsteps of the Quartet!
Many of the events in Metaphysical Animals are recorded on these historical maps of Oxford, London and Cambridge. You can contribute to these maps by submitting historical event information through this website.
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We’ve mapped all the events from Metaphysical Animals. Do you have something to add? If so, enter details here.
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Join the network
Join the network to share your work and meet fellow enthusiasts!
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About Mapping the Quartet
Mapping the Quartet is an In Parenthesis project which charts the early careers of four women philosophers. Founded in 2015 by Clare Mac Cumhaill and Rachael Wiseman, In Parenthesis is a collaborative philosophical project. It aims to rewrite the history of 20th century philosophy by placing this remarkable Quartet of philosophers - and the intellectual traditions to which they belong - at its heart.
This site aims to connect researchers, scholars and readers in order to foster new links and insight, facilitate sharing of expertise, and promote intergenerational philosophical collaboration. Join the network to share your work and meet fellow enthusiasts! Use the maps to follow in the footsteps of the Quartet and to learn about their lives together in Oxford, Cambridge and London.
The Metaphysical Animals Book Club guides you through the chapters of our book with philosophical and thought provoking questions, designed to enrich discussions and spark ideas. Appropriate for existing book clubs, groups of friends & students, and everyone who wants to engage more deeply with the book.