Musonius Rufus · Philosophy

That Women Too Should Study Philosophy

In two discourses, Musonius argued that women have the same reason, the same senses, and the same capacity for virtue as men - and therefore need the same philosophical training, and daughters the same education as sons. It is among the boldest arguments for the equality of the sexes in all of ancient thought.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Musonius argued women share men’s reason and capacity for virtue, need the same four virtues, and therefore should study philosophy - and that daughters deserve the same education as sons. Explain the argument, and note where his radicalism stopped short.

Leads to Mary Wollstonecraft.

epoché — a humanities education that remembers you.