Asst. Prof. of Philosophy and Director of Gender Studies

Dr. Jakubowski’s research and teaching interests include Theoretical & Applied Ethics, Race & Gender Studies, Feminist Theory, and Social & Political Philosophy. Her work has appeared in the Encyclopedia of Feminist Theories, the Society for Philosophy in the Contemporary World and the Journal of the Southwestern Philosophical Society, and she has made presentations to such groups as the Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, the Central States Philosophical Association, and the 10th Conference of Cuban and North American Philosophers and Social Scientists (in Havana, Cuba).

A growing number of social critics and feminist scholars have raised substantial concerns about the frequent and widespread use of anti-depressants in our culture.  Opponents have laid out two main criticisms: 1) Increased use of antidepressant therapy leads to social conformity and reinforces capitalist ideals such as the pleasure-driven consumer. 2) Antidepressant discourse reinforces gender oppression by advancing new forms of body ideals and inequalities, i.e., the cultural valorization of productivity and competition.  Do antidepressants merely create false or artificial selves that are dominated by patriarchal, capitalist values?  In this paper, I claim that critics have too quickly dismissed anti-depressants and in doing so have failed to examine the ways in which brain chemistry modifications may positively affect an individual’s ability to resist patently unjust social arrangements. 

In many cases, Prozac has a restorative function that enhances perceptions making one more present in the world.  This new sense of self can set the tone for a stronger sense of agency. Hence, the transformative possibilities of restoring individual capabilities should not be underestimated.  A stronger sense of being in the world makes individuals more available, stable and confident.  Prozac therapy can be used to disrupt the status quo by restoring a vitality and sense of self that allows individuals to be more critical and vigilant in resisting unjust social arrangements.  In conclusion, I argue that instead of rejecting antidepressants out of fear of social quietism and/or gender inequality, they are also a positive tool which may empower citizens to engage in everyday acts of rebellion, i.e., resisting exploitative working conditions and leaving abusive relationships.