L'erba voglio, published in 1971, marked the beginning of a prolific writing career for Luisa Muraro, an Italian philosopher who challenged traditional academic and political frameworks. Her intellectual contributions spanned across philosophy of language, pedagogy, and feminist activism, leaving a legacy that continued to influence discourse well after her passing in Milan on 13 June 2026.
Academic Formation and Career
Born in 1940 at Montecchio Maggiore, Muraro pursued her formal education at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. Her professional life was anchored in academic rigor, primarily through her tenure as a university teacher at the University of Verona. Beyond her institutional roles, she worked extensively in both Milan and Verona as an essayist and translator, utilizing her fluency in French and Italian to engage with a broad spectrum of philosophical texts.
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As a member of the Diotoma group, Muraro helped develop a transversal approach to feminist theory. She consistently rejected political strategies for women that risked reinforcing subordination to patriarchal structures. Instead, her work focused on the authority of women and the symbolic order of the mother. She explored these themes in influential volumes such as Il pensiero della differenza sessuale, released in 1987, and L'ordine simbolico della madre, published in 1991.
Theology and History of Ideas
Muraro’s intellectual reach extended into the study of mysticism and the reconstruction of historical figures. In her writings, she analyzed the contributions of women within religious contexts, linking them to the feminine nature of divinity. Works like Lingua materna, scienza divina and Il Dio delle donne exemplify her attempt to bridge the gap between historical heresy, specifically the history of Guglielma and Maifreda, and contemporary philosophical inquiry.
Selected Bibliography
Her output was immense and varied, covering subjects from linguistic politics to witchcraft. Key titles include the 1976 study La signora del gioco, which examined the history of witch-hunts, and 1981's Maglia o uncinetto, a linguistic-political narrative. Later works, such as 2013's Autorità and 2016's L'anima del corpo, demonstrated her ongoing commitment to evaluating the female experience through the lens of philosophy, desire, and bodily autonomy.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Montecchio Maggiore
- Died: 13 June 2026, Milan
- Nationality: Italy
- Academic Institution: University of Verona
- Field of Study: Philosophy of language
- Education: Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Questions readers ask
What was the main focus of Muraro's feminist philosophy?
She advocated for a transversal approach that sought to move beyond mere equality, emphasizing the feminine nature of authority and the symbolic order of the mother.
Did Muraro focus only on modern philosophy?
No, she frequently analyzed historical figures and theological topics, including the study of mystics like Margherita Porete and the history of religious heresies.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Verona
- Fields: philosophy of language
