The Status of Women in Book Five of Plato's Republic

Abstract

Plato's Republic is one of the most insightful and significant text in the study of political philosophy. An ancient work is still valuable to read from a philosophical standpoint and as a source of feminist and political interpretations. This article aims to highlight women's political position and role as presented in Book Five of the Republic. It also examines the current debate over whether Plato qualifies as a feminist thinker. From feminist and anti- feminist perspectives, Plato's views on women are both criticized and praised. Plato was the first philosopher to advocate for women's participation in political spheres. Plato's views on women's political participation, education, the end of the marriage, the family, and private property are complex and contentious. This article examines scholarly arguments to better understand Plato's motivations for caring about the political and educational advancement of women. This study assumes that feminist interpretations of Plato generalized him and declared him to be a feminist. However, Book Five shows that Plato is willing to take into account the political role of women; even he anticipates that women will hold the highest political position that of a philosopher king.