PHILOSOPHER QUEEN AND PLATO’S JINGOISM OF WOMEN LIBERATION

Abstract

The woman is a being often enveloped in layers of mystery. She has led men, across time, to question both her nature (ontologically) and her capabilities (functionally). Consequently, the “woman question”—who she is and what she is capable of—has persisted throughout history. Using the philosophical method of analysis, this paper examines Plato’s perspective on this question, with the aim of emphasizing the equality of men and women while drawing attention to the injustice historically faced by women. The scope of the paper covers the nature of the Greek state, its democratic political system, and the condition of women in Athenian society, where unequal treatment consistently favored men. Despite the widespread subjugation of women, Plato advances an argument for radical egalitarianism, maintaining that both men and women should be considered equally capable of becoming philosopher-kings or philosopher-queens. For him, although only a few individuals—whether male or female—attain excellence in virtue, such individuals should be selected to rule, regardless of gender, alongside others who share similar qualities. This argument challenges and transcends social practices grounded in unjust assumptions of male superiority. Consequently, this paper affirms that men and women are fundamentally equal. Philosophers, wherever they are found—whether men or women—should be identified and entrusted with leadership as philosopher-kings or philosopher-queens.