Abstract
Purpose. Considering the fact that the concept «by nature» formed the basis of diametrically different approaches to the interpretation of the place and role of women not only in Greek society, but determined the gender relations up to this time, the article examines the features of the interpretation of the term «nature» («φύσις») in Greek outlook and the impact of natural-philosophical ideas on the evolution of gender relations of Ancient period. Methodology of the study is caused by interdisciplinary approach, involving not only the use of scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis and generalization and so on. Basic principles of philosophical hermeneutics, hypothetical-deductive method and contextual analysis are used at the same time. Originality lies in the denial of existing idea in contemporary intellectual discourse that the concept «by nature» is a conceptual prerequisite for ensuring gender inequality. Against this background, it is shown that gender equality and inequalities are both caused by the dominant in the public worldview meta-narrative paradigm and specific features of interpretation of the concept «by nature» (or «nature»). So when nature is seen in physiological or empirical sense, it establishes a pattern of gender inequality. The same can occur in cases of dogmatization and mythologizing of empiricism, which appears on the ideological level as a meta-narrative. However, when the concept of «nature» acquires metaphysical meaning and is viewed as a kind of potentiality that is actualized in the presence of favorable conditions prerequisites of gender equality are emerging. Conclusions. Having considered the proposed by Greek philosophy approaches to gender interaction as a kind of stereotypes, we conclude that the development of gender relations in individual historical terms was caused by the specificity of the dominant narrative of life and world order.
Highlights
Fundamental changes that have taken place in the public consciousness of the postmodern era, would completely destroy the traditional stereotypes about the role of men and women beginning in socio-cultural existence, assured by the idea of gender equality
Despite the death of «metanarrative», which is the main characteristic of the postmodern era, peculiar worldview dogmatism is inherently present in early societies, which usually is the basis of mythological thinking [20, p.13]
Much attention is paid to dogmatism inherent to gender problems, which even today is perceived by society and both sexes, not as a repressive factor, but as quite natural phenomenon that stems from human nature and characteristics of their functions in society
Summary
Unlike Plato, Aristotle, using the same conceptual framework «by nature», develops a more moderate approach He believes that a man and a woman, as well as slave and free, have a different nature, and the level of social life cannot be equal. Our conclusion reveals only general intentions of the vast majority of the Greek society, since the movement for gender equality is still evident and probably begins in the period of Plato activity In this context, it is impossible to ignore Aspasia, who was considered to be a guide of Socrates, as she was described in the dialogue «Feast» by the philosopher [23]. Role of women in the Greek society, but determined the gender relations up to this time, we consider it appropriate to reveal features of its interpretation from the Greek outlook and explicate impact of natural-philosophical ideas on the evolution of gender relations in the ancient period
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