Plato vs Aristotles View of Women - 1393 Words

Women: Counterparts or Subordinates Women are often overlooked in how they add to society. However, they are a crucial part in defining relationships, roles, and families, all which contribute their share to forming a society. In order to understand what distinct part they play, let us first look at Platos views of women, in which equal chance between the sexes give women the potential to achieve, similar to men. Aristotle, whom we will next look at, believes the contrary, that women are subsidiary to men due to natural characteristics. Let us then look into how both Platos and Aristotles views of society are constructed by their apparent beliefs of women. For Plato, gender is such a minute detail that for the most part it can be†¦show more content†¦Humans, therefore, naturally couple into heterosexual reproducing pairs. As a result, households are formed. The household is ruled by the male, who is justly the dominant member of the family because women Â… lack authority (Bk I Ch 13, 12). The household is comprised of the male head, female counterpart, children, as well as slaves. Slaves are considered part of the household because, he is someone elses when despite being human, he is a piece of property; and a piece of property is a tool for action that is separate from its owner (1254a, 13). So in Aristotles city, it is close to impossible for a woman to make any kind of upward mobility or progress, due to an inborn flaw which lacks the spirited part of the soul. Men therefore dominate not only the family, or household, but also the society. Aristotles city reflects the facts according to nature, that males are dominant. I believe that Plato tries to dismantle society by taking a step back and looking at it, as a whole, so he doesnt miss any part or place too much emphasis on a particular part. Plato sees women oppressed by their gender as a social construct, a product of society. For this reason, in Platos ideal city, women are given their fair chance. Platos question, concerning into which society one would want to be raised, and similarly John Rowles original position ask what basic truths one would want in his/her society. These questions expect an idealisticShow MoreRelatedPlato vs. Aristotle1952 Words   |  8 PagesPlato vs. Aristotle Plato and Aristotle, two philosophers in the 4th century, hold polar views on politics and philosophy in general. This fact is very cleverly illustrated by Raphaels School of Athens (1510-11; Stanza della Segnatura, Vatican), where Plato is portrayed looking up to the higher forms; and Aristotle is pointing down because he supports the natural sciences. In a discussion of politics, the stand point of each philosopher becomes an essential factor. 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