The Natural Character and Moral Deficiencies of Women

Abstract

Chapter 6 addresses Aristotle’s exclusion of women from full virtue by explaining their moral deficiencies in light of their presumed biological imperfections. Although formally identical to men, Aristotle believes that women, as a result of what happens to them during embryogenesis, are less perfect members of the human species due to their colder, earthier material nature. The particular natural character profile Aristotle attributes to women in the biological treatises, which is due to this particular material nature, accounts for his claims in the Politics that women can acquire only the “virtues of assistants” and that they are naturally being ruled by men. I also discuss Aristotle’s notorious claim (often ascribed to plain sexism) that women by nature have a deliberate capacity necessary for moral decision making but that it “lacks authority,” and his attribution of softness and weakness of will to them, and I offer psychophysical explanations for these moral deficiencies.