Aristotle on Female Animals
A Study of the Generation of Animals

Analyses the female in Aristotle's biology, leading to a reassessment of his hylomorphism, scientific methodology and psychology.

Sophia M. Connell (Author)

9781316501795, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 August 2019

453 pages, 1 b/w illus. 10 tables
21.3 x 14.1 x 2.3 cm, 0.55 kg

Aristotle's account of female nature has received mostly negative treatment, emphasising what he says females cannot do. Building on recent research, this book comprehensively revises such readings, setting out the complex and positive role played by the female in Aristotle's thought with a particular focus on the longest surviving treatise on reproduction in the ancient corpus, the Generation of Animals. It provides new interpretations of the nature of Aristotle's sexism, his theory of male and female interaction in generation, and his account of inherited features. It also discusses a range of more general issues which can and should be re-examined in light of Aristotle's account of female animals: his methodology, hylomorphism, teleology and psychology. Aristotle on Female Animals will be valuable to all those interested in Aristotle's philosophy and the history of gender.

Introduction
Part I. Methodology in the Study of Aristotle on Female Animals: 1. Feminism, sexism and Aristotle
2. Consistency in the Generation of Animals
Part II. Reassessing the Generative Role of the Female Animal in Aristotle: 3. Menstrual blood and female semen
4. Matter
Part III. Reassessing the Generative Role of the Male Animal in Aristotle: 5. The male as efficient and formal cause of generation
6. Interpretations of Aristotle on the male role in generation
Part IV. Generation in Lower Animals and Particular Instances: 7. Generation in lower animals
8. Aristotle on sexual differentiation
9. Aristotle on heredity
10. Teleology and necessity in the Generation of Animals
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Gender studies: women [JFSJ1], Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]