GENDER AND JUSTICE IN PLATO

Plato's proposal for the equality of the sexes remains one of the most controversial aspects of his argument in the Republic. I explore this argument with special emphasis an locating it within larger themes of the work, themes whose relevance to the argument on gender equality h ave often been ignored. On this basis, I find that Plato's defense of gender equality is serious, but that the foundation and the consequenc es of that argument have not usually been well understood. Plato's arg ument for gender equality rests on a distinctive view of human nature, and his elaboration of the consequences of pursuing gender equality r eveal that a price would have to be paid for it that few are willing t o accept. His argument would be considered by contemporary advocates o f gender equality.