Johanna Oksala holds the position of Arthur J. Schmitt Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University in Chicago (LUC). Before her role at LUC, she was on faculty at Pratt Institute of Art and Design in New York, the New School for Social Research in New York, the University of Helsinki in Finland, and the University of Dundee in Scotland. Prof. Oksala specializes in political philosophy, feminist philosophy, environmental philosophy, Marxist theory, Michel Foucault, and phenomenology.
Books by Prof. Oksala mentioned in the video interview:
- Feminism, Capitalism, and Ecology (Northwestern University Press, 2023)
- Feminist Experiences (Northwestern University Press, 2016)
- Political Philosophy: All That Matters (Hodder and Stoughton, 2013)
- Foucault, Politics, and Violence (Northwestern University Press, 2012)
- How to Read Foucault (Granta Books, 2007)
- Foucault on Freedom (Cambridge University Press, 2005)
In response to my questions, Prof. Oksala reflects on her philosophical journey, from early work on Foucault and freedom to recent engagements with feminism, capitalism, and ecology. She discusses the significance of philosophy and metaphysical inquiry, in general, and the relevance of Michel Foucault in our contemporary world. We explore topics like gestational surrogacy and the romanticization of nature. She argues for an integrated approach to feminism and environmentalism, and she discusses writing for broader audiences and offers guidance on where to begin with her work. Finally, she shares some remarks about her current projects and forthcoming works.