1954 – 1996
Jean Hampton (1954–1996) was an American analytic philosopher specializing in political philosophy, moral philosophy, and feminist theory. She made influential contributions to social contract theory, the philosophy of punishment, and Kantian ethics before her death at age 42. Her work bridged formal political theory and feminist moral psychology, challenging prevailing assumptions in both domains.
Developed a neo-Kantian reinterpretation of social contract theory in 'Hobbes and the Social Contract Tradition' (1986)
Co-authored 'Forgiveness and Mercy' (1988) with Jeffrie Murphy, a landmark work in moral philosophy
Articulated an expressive, Kantian theory of punishment centered on moral education and human dignity
Advanced feminist critiques of mainstream moral and political philosophy
Explored the moral psychology of self-respect and its relationship to justice and forgiveness