Abstract

This paper explores the primary difficulty that religion raises for philosophy of language: How might an effable medium speak the ineffable–speak of G/god? More specifically, herein I examine one of the ways in which ancient philosophers approached this problem–i.e., by imitating women. To this end, I begin (1) by examining Socrates’ imitation of Diotima. I then (2) investigate Augustine’s turn to the imitation of Monica. I argue that by taking recourse in acts of feminine mimesis, each example presents a counter-traditional conception of the transcendent. I conclude (3) by considering the results of this unique approach for feminist philosophies of religion today.