What Would Plato Say? - A Comparison of Plato and Aristotle's Views on Women

This paper compares Plato and Aristotle's views on women and argues that Plato would have propagated the idea of equality of women, while Aristotle relegated women to household functions and treated them as inferior subjects.

Running head: WHAT WOULD PLATO SAY?
Name of the Student POLI221
Fall 2018
What would Plato say?

1WHAT WOULD PLATO SAY?
Introduction
Aristotle’s treatment of women can be traced in his ‘Politics’ In a similar fashion, Plato had also presented his
views on women in his book called ‘The Republic’. A closer examination of these texts can reveal the difference
in their perspectives. The paper argues for the fact that Plato, after discarding the claims of Aristotle, would have
propagated the idea of equality of women. Aiming to argue for the ideas of Plato, the following paragraphs shall
try to justify the supposed reaction of Aristotle.
Discussion
Aristotle’s treatment of women in politics can be traced in certain sections of ‘Politics’ where he sheds
light on the manner in which the barbarians refused to distinguish between women and slaves (Aristotle. &
Jowett, 2012). In a similar fashion, Aristotle refuses to distinguish between women and slaves. Establishing the
man as the master of the household, Aristotle mentions that the master of the house rules wives and children. A
scrutiny of the nuances of master-slave relation can project the views of Aristotle, who relegates women to the
household functions. Aristotle propagate the view that a subject or servant is compelled by nature to obey the
diktats of the ruler. Aristotle treats women as subjects who are the slaves to the master. He goes onto mention that
females are inferior subjects as compared to men. Women have little or no say in the matters of politics (Aristotle,
pp 7). Aristotle opines that those who are endowed with the power to rule can only participate in the functions of
politics.
Plato’s reaction to Aristotle’s treatment of women can be analyzed after reading certain sections in ‘The
Republic’. Plato’s arguments are opposed to the ideas stated by his disciple. Through the dialogic conversations
of various philosophers (Plato, pp 1), Plato gives vent to his own ideas (Plato & Jowett, 2008). Through Socrates,
Plato mentions that it is necessary for the citizens of a State to be educated because education can help men in
understanding about the negativities associated with objectifying and possessing women ( Plato, pp 4).
Discarding the views of Aristotle, Plato would have said that women should be treated equally with men. As per
Book IV of Republic, Plato would have said that the State could function properly only when individuals,
including women can exert their own power according to their respective capabilities. Hearing the proclamations
of Plato, Aristotle would have shunned the arguments of Plato saying that men or masters are deigned to exercise
superiority and authority over women or slaves. Aristotle would have vehemently denied the propositions because
he believed in the fact that if this relation is disrupted then the State cannot function.
On the other hand, it can also be said that Plato would not have refuted the claims of Aristotle. In a
section of Republic, Plato also equates slaves and women (Plato, pp 14). Reading these sections makes the reader
realize that there are certain ambiguous areas in The Republic which cannot be ignored.
Conclusion
After analyzing the above-discussed points, it can be concluded that Plato would have denied the claims
of Aristotle and propagated his own views. On the other hand, Aristotle would also have reacted in a manner to
justify his stance. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that they had laid the foundation for future developments.

2WHAT WOULD PLATO SAY?
References
Aristotle., & Jowett, B. (2012). Politics. [Glendale, Calif.]: Bibliotech Press.
Plato., & Jowett, B. (2008). Plato: The republic. [Charleston, SC]: Forgotten Books.