Gillian Rose, Philosopher of Law

Abstract

Shortly before her death, Gillian Rose was asked to name a few philosophers whose work she admired, whose work evaded the neo-Kantian problematic which she found in the work of so many philosophers. ‘I don‘t think there are any. I think that’s what is missing from philosophy at the moment and what I’m trying to restore with my work’ (Rose 2008).¹ Over the last several years the philosophical landscape has changed considerably: French post-structuralism, if there ever was such a thing, is beginning to sound passé and new philosophical currents are taking hold: a renewed interest in theology, in ontology, in technology. Given this shifting landscape, what is the status of Rose’s project, both critical and constructive? It is the contention of this chapter, and this book, that Rose’s work still offers invaluable resources for recognizing avatars of an invidious neo-Kantianism, and for beginning to think beyond the neo-Kantian problematic.

We should not historicize before we’ve even tasted.

Gillian Rose (Jay 1997, p.45)

Of all subjects none is more worthy of study than the authority of Laws, which happily disposes things divine and human, and puts an end to iniquity.

Justinian (d’Entrèves 1970, p.24)