Final answer:
Feminist theory is a philosophy that views women's inequality as stemming from historically imperfect and patriarchal institutions that have excluded women's perspectives and contributions. It advocates restructuring societal norms and institutions to achieve gender equality and to correct biases in moral theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The philosophy that centers around the idea that women's inequality is the result of imperfect institutions is feminist theory. This perspective highlights that gender inequality is deeply rooted in societal structures, norms, and institutions that have historically favored men. For instance, patriarchal systems often silence women's viewpoints and marginalize their contributions, making their perspectives appear less valid or important.
Feminist theorists, such as Susan Moller Okin, have criticized views from philosophers like Hobbes and Locke, who have perpetuated women's subordination. Additionally, the role of gender in foundational political texts has largely excluded women, with figures like Aristotle openly claiming women to be naturally inferior to men in terms of rationality and political participation. Feminism advocates for the reevaluation and restructuring of these institutions to promote gender equality and end sexism.
Furthermore, feminist critiques have been directed at moral theories that emphasize rationality over other human attributes, often associated with women, such as emotion. By advocating for a moral framework that includes the interests of women and other oppressed groups, feminist theorists are creating new paradigms that aim to correct these historical biases.