Must one have a beard to be a philosopher? Women and Ancient Greek philosophy
Emily Hulme (USyd)
Abstract: While philosophy usually focuses on the study of abstract and universal questions, the philosopher has often been imagined in a very specific physical form: an erudite man of a respectable age—and, as put by the Roman author Lucian, “above all else he should have a long beard that would inspire confidence in those who…[seek] to become his pupils” (Harmon trans.). Yet, women have been part of the history of philosophy from the beginning.
This presentation will present an overview of current work on the contributions of women to Greek philosophy. This includes women who participated directly in philosophical schools—such as Epicurean and Pythagorean women—as well as women like the poet Sappho and the midwife Phaenarete (Socrates’ mother) who were cited as intellectual inspirations by male philosophers. We’ll also touch on related topics, including women in ancient science.
Bio: Dr Emily Hulme is a Lecturer in ancient Greek philosophy at the University of Sydney. Her current book project focuses on techne in Plato.
.