In book five of Plato’s Republic, Socrates argues that in the ideal city of Kallipolis, both men and women will serve as guardians and auxiliaries. Consequently, Plato appears to endorse feminist ideologies. Firs,t I will define proto-traditional feminism, and modern feminism. I will then argue that Plato presents Socrates, and thereby himself, as an advocate for feminism. However, I will show that Plato is only a feminist under the proto-traditional definition of feminism. He fails to fit the modern definition of feminism, as this definition is contingent on equality and equity. Furthermore, I will consider the objection that Plato cannot be a feminist due to his motivation for equality. Although Plato endorses some feminist ideologies, his motivation behind his endorsement of these ideologies does not come from the belief that women should be equated to men, but that everyone must play their role in Kallipolis. I will then consider the differences between the traditional definition and modern definition of feminism to show that Plato is indeed a feminist. His motivations behind his endorsements are irrelevant to his advocacy for equality between men and women.
I will first develop the term I call Proto-traditional feminism that combines protofeminism and traditional feminism. Protofeminism is a term that says any person that advocates for treating women equally to men prior to the establishment of feminism in the 20th century is a protofeminist (Oxford Dictionary, 2014). Traditional feminism is a term that means, to demand that everyone should have the same rights and liberties regardless of their gender (Oxford Dictionary, 2014). Thus a proto-traditional feminist is someone who advocated for, and encouraged others to advocate...
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...hat he does not endorse equity for women who are weaker than men, but the proto-traditional feminist would not reject him. All in all, Plato presents several forward-thinking pro feminist ideologies that promote equality between men and women. Nevertheless, Plato does not endorse equity, and so he would not be considered a modern feminist. Yet, his role in promoting women in non-stereotypical roles and advocating for equality between sexes, regardless of his motivations, is pro (proto-traditional) feminism.
References:
(1) "Definition of Feminism in English:." Feminism: Definition of Feminism in Oxford Dictionary (British & World English). N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
(2) Brown, Eric. "Plato's Ethics and Politics in The Republic." Stanford University. Stanford University, 01 Apr. 2003. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
Plato. Republic. Trans. G.M.A. Grube and C.D.C. Reeve. Plato Complete Works. Ed. John M. Cooper. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1997.
When thinking of ancient Greece, images of revolutionary contrapposto sculpture, ornate lecture halls, and great philosophers in togas are sure to come to mind. As the birthplace of democracy and western philosophy, ancient Greece has had an inordinate influence on the progression of the modern world. However, the ancient Greeks’ treatment of women is seemingly at direct odds with their progressive and idealistic society.
...ed social construction because males are dominant to females in practically every area of life. Ross Douthat wrote another article revolving around abortion titled Divided by Abortion, United by Feminism where he stated, “But the best pro-choice rebuttal to the young idealists and the professional women who lead today's anti-abortion groups isn't that they're too reactionary -- it's that they're too utopian, too radical, and too naïve” (Douthat). The leadership of Mary Beard reflected neither matriarchy nor patriarchy, because she wrote books regarding feminism with her husband.
Plato. The Republic. Trans. Sterling, Richard and Scott, William. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1985.
It is hardly fair to make a true judgement on whose view of women was more sensible. For one reason Pisan was a women and Plato was a man. It has taken thousand of years for women to accomplish equality towards men now so Pisan's view could be seen as before her time. Although, Pisan's view seems more sensible I can see how Plato's view could also be sensible for his time and place.
In one of Plato’s most esteemed works, The Republic, Plato forms an ideal city called the Kallipolis with citizens and their respective roles within the city. While creating this “City of Words” Plato was faced with a dilemma, what roles would the women of the city be assigned? This paper argues that women were in fact granted a place in society that provided them with equality in the Kallipolis, and that this equality was achieved through their positioning within the guardian class. Furthermore, this equality was affirmed through their position within the ruling class.
Plato. (1992). Plato Republic. (G. Grube, & C. Reeve, Eds.) Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company Inc.
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