Start Date
4-27-2020 9:00 AM
End Date
4-27-2020 10:00 AM
Disciplines
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity | Classics | History
Subjects
Epictetus. Manual -- Influence, Epictetus. Manual -- Criticism and interpretation, Feminism -- Effect of Epictetus on, Women -- United States, Women -- England
Abstract
The Enchiridion, attributed to the ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus, has been interpreted in many ways since its creation nearly two thousand years ago. This research explores the ways in which Epictetus’ teachings in the Enchiridion, although not originally intended for women, have influenced women throughout history. Not only are the interpretations relating to gender different from the intended purpose of the text, but also the way that the Enchiridion has influenced women has changed over time. In some cases the Enchiridion was used to reinforce power differentials between genders and, in others, it was cited in support of female independence. The influence of this text on women has shifted over time and an examination of that shift illustrates how the interpretation of a text can vary over time depending on the lens used in examining the text.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/33112
Epictetus’ Enchiridion and the Influence on Women
The Enchiridion, attributed to the ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus, has been interpreted in many ways since its creation nearly two thousand years ago. This research explores the ways in which Epictetus’ teachings in the Enchiridion, although not originally intended for women, have influenced women throughout history. Not only are the interpretations relating to gender different from the intended purpose of the text, but also the way that the Enchiridion has influenced women has changed over time. In some cases the Enchiridion was used to reinforce power differentials between genders and, in others, it was cited in support of female independence. The influence of this text on women has shifted over time and an examination of that shift illustrates how the interpretation of a text can vary over time depending on the lens used in examining the text.