Aristotle on Women
Physiology, Psychology, and Politics

This Element highlights Aristotle views on the intelligent capacities of women and their crucial role in practical life.

Sophia M. Connell (Author)

9781108713467, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 August 2021

75 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 0.4 cm, 0.121 kg

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.

1. Introduction and methodology
2. Aristotle's account of the female body
3. The character of women
4. The ethical woman
5. The political woman
6. The philosophical woman
7. Conclusions.

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