That Time a Woman Outwitted Aristotle

Deformed men.

That’s what women were according to Aristotle. You know, Aristotle that Greek philosopher? The guy who they say is one of the greatest thinkers ever? The one known as the Father of Western Philosophy? Aristotle, who wrote, “The male is by nature superior and the female inferior?” Aristotle, who said, “The courage of a man lies in commanding, a woman’s lies in obeying?”

Well, there’s something about Aristotle he might not want you to know. It’s a story that was wildly popular in the Middle Ages, and it’s all about a time when one of those deformed, inferior women got the best of him. 

The Low-down

Alexander the Great, who was a pupil of Aristotle, had a pretty hot wife named Phyllis. She was so hot, in fact, that Aristotle began to fear for the intellectual health of his student. He was so in love, much of his time was devoted to her. Surely this would dull the boy’s wit and slow the speed of his empire-building. Aristotle did some of that great thinking he’s so famous for and came up with a plan for his pupil. Stop spending time with Phyllis. 

It’s no shock Phyllis opposed the idea. In fact, she came up with a plan to get back at the wise teacher. She would seduce Aristotle. A lift of her skirt here, a flutter of the lashes there; she laughed at his corny jokes and complimented his outdated attire. 

Aristotle was smitten.

He pledged his undying love and asked Phyllis to do the same. Of course, she would, she said. Right after he proved his love. She asked just one simple request, one minor task. Would he do it? The philosopher said yes. 

Do As I Say (and forget what you just saw) 

Phyllis strategically positioned Alexander so that he would see the results of her genius. And what do you think Alexander saw? It was his great and noble teacher prancing through the garden on all fours. In his mouth was a bit, on his back was a saddle and on top of it all, whip in hand rode Phyllis.

Of course, Alexander demand an explanation. But what could the humiliated teacher say? He was caught, although he tried to play it off in a philosopher kind of way. 

“If a woman can make a fool out of a man of my age and wisdom, just imagine what she can do to you that are younger and less wise? I have added an example to my behest, so that you may benefit by both.”

Is it true? The question is does it matter? What does is that starting in the 13th-century people went wild over it. Known as an exemplum, an example story, it was immortalized in writings, paintings, and even household items such as this late 14th-century/early 15th-century water vessel.

When Knowledge vs. Love who wins?

The lesson learned, of course, was not to let passion conquer your reason. It also revealed a hot debate going on at the time: what should a woman’s role be anyway? On one side the clergy insisted women should be subordinate. For the aristocracy, courtly love was all the rage. A knight, in all his chivalry, offered everything to the object of his desire.  

The clergy ran with the story. What better example of the malicious power of women and the dangers of lust could there be? And to remind people the scene decorated the entranceways of cathedrals and was reproduced in sculptures. Let this be a warning to you, they shouted.

In reply, the people etched the story on ivory boxes and gave them to their lovers as tokens of affection. They sang songs and even plastered the image on town halls. Danger, in love? Of course, there is. But isn’t that part of the excitement?

We can analyze and philosophize to our heart’s content but in the end, the story proves one thing — Love trumps all — logic and philosophy fall to their knees in its presence. 

Well, that and Phyllis was a bad-ass.

Sources:

Alexander the Great: From His Death to the Present Day, John Boardman

Aristotle and Phyllis, George Sarton (Journal article) https://www.jstor.org/stable/224378?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

http://www2.latech.edu/~bmagee/201/phyllis/phyllis.htm

Riding the Philosopher