Browsing by Author "Warren, Lunette"
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- ItemPsychagogy in Plutarch's Moralia and Parallel Lives : the image of the ideal Woman(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Warren, Lunette; Thom, J. C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Plutarch’s views on women are significantly influenced by Plato’s metaphysics and virtue ethics, while he draws from other traditions as he sees fit. The theoretical-philosophical works of the Moralia conceptualise Woman as Man’s equal in terms of moral ability, but more susceptible to irrationality and thus vice. To correct this inherent weakness, Woman needs the guidance of the male principle, which will guide her towards reason and virtue. The popularphilosophical works share the assumptions of this metaphysical basis in Plutarch’s psychagogy for women. These texts show a desire to control women by rendering them completely subservient to their husbands. An extensive list of virtues and vices of women is discussed in the four works that form part of this psychagogic programme: Conjugalia praecepta, Consolatio ad uxorem, Mulierum virtutes and Lacaenarum apophthegmata. Plutarch uses these same virtues and vices to judge the female characters of his Lives, who are presented according to the virtue-vice binary, unlike his male characters. These historical women are written in such a way as to serve as exempla for his female audience. The image of Woman that emerges from the Moralia and the Lives is reactionary, based on a belief that social values were deteriorating. The literary and material records show that women of the early Imperial Period gained much in terms of social rights and public participation, and therefore they have little in common with Plutarch’s ideal Woman.