The Politics of Virtue in Plutarch’s Mulierum Virtutes

 

The narratives in Plutarch’s Mulierum Virtutes illustrate the indispensable contribution of women to all aspects of society˜the political, martial, and judicial, as well as the religious and domestic.  Plutarch shows how “man’s virtues and woman’s virtues are one and the same” (243 A), for if the standard of virtue for both genders is to act in regards to what is good for the family and state, and women show themselves to be capable participants in civic affairs, then ultimately, what makes men and women virtuous is the same. 

 

Plutarch praises women who are wise political advisers, ethical representatives, conciliators, and selfless helpmates.  This paper argues that Plutarch finds these women, despite their involvement in male spheres of political activity, particularly laudable and does not criticize their sometimes questionable means to achieve their ends because their public presence is out of necessity and designed to benefit a good cause, usually to restore liberty or what is righteous.  This paper will provide examples of how women in the MV serve as foils to their own resourceless men; to despots; and to the domineering, unchaste women in the Parallel Lives who usurp male prerogatives for their own interests and power.