[3] Until 1900, Talbot taught at Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, when she was appointed Professor of Philosophy at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

Her own philosophy, as described by Dorothy Rogers, was comprised:Roughly one-third of... discussions of philosophical problems, with considerations of human freedom and moral value dominating her interests.

Fichte's influence is evident here, but not overwhelming; her own philosophy is more a general idealism than it is an expression of the thoughts of any one idealist.

A detailed summary of Talbot's life and work appeared in Mary Ellen Waithe's 1995 A History of Women Philosophers.

[6][8] Talbot was one of a relatively small group of American women who completed doctoral work in philosophy during the 19th century, and had a successful academic career.