Plato’s Republic: Proto-traditional Feminism and Modern Feminism

In the fifth book of the Republic of Plato, Socrates believes that in an ideal city Calipolis, both men and women will serve as guardians and assistants. Therefore, Plato seems to support feminist ideology. Fir, I will define primitive traditional feminism and modern feminism. Then I claim that Plato and Socrates and themselves are supporters of feminism. But Plato proves to be a feminist under the original tradition of feminism. He does not conform to the definition of modern feminism. Because this definition depends on equality and fairness.

Three objections claiming feminists in the Republic are more about labels of "feminist" than Plato's debate. First of all, some say that feminism needs to pay attention to women's rights, but I think that Plato is not a feminist because he is not interested in women's rights. This particular argument is not so important as it does not mention Plato's own perception of women. As long as he is not interested in someone's rights, he is not interested in women's rights. Secondly, some say that feminism needs to concentrate on what women really want. He believes that feminism is opposite to feminism, as Plato is not interested in the actual needs of women. But if you realize that Plato is not interested in people's wishes, the limit of this criticism is obvious. Plato focuses on what women (and men) want and what they want if they are in the best condition.

It is ancillary. Therefore, Plato seems to support feminist ideology. Fir, I will define primitive traditional feminism and modern feminism. Then I claim that Plato and Socrates and themselves are supporters of feminism. But Plato proves to be a feminist under the original tradition of feminism. He does not conform to the definition of modern feminism. Because this definition depends on equality and fairness. In addition, I will consider Plato's objections.