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  3. Aristotle on Women
  • Cited by 12
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
July 2021
Print publication year:
2021
Online ISBN:
9781108581950
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108581950
Subjects:
Classical Studies, Classical Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
Series:
Elements in Ancient Philosophy
Information

Book description

This Element provides an account of Aristotle on women which combines what is found in his scientific biology with his practical philosophy. Scholars have often debated how these two fields are related. The current study shows that according to Aristotelian biology, women are set up for intelligence and tend to be milder-tempered than men. Thus, women are not curtailed either intellectually or morally by their biology. The biological basis for the rule of men over women is women's lack of spiritedness. Aristotle's Politics must be read with its audience in mind; there is a need to convince men of the importance of avoiding insurrection both in the city and the household. While their spiritedness gives men the upper hand, they are encouraged to listen to the views of free women in order to achieve the best life for all.

References

References

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