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εὐχαῖς ὅμοια. Cf. 450 D note κατὰ φύσιν. 449 A notes Plato's proposals — so he asserts — are ‘natural,’ because in harmony with the natural endowments of gifted women; and it is because they are natural that he calls them possible. The definition of δυνατόν is interesting and noteworthy: see 466 D and 471 C note Grote (Plato III p. 201) has observed that Plato is here refuting a current objection to his theories: in the next sentence he turns his adversaries' weapon against themselves. ἦν. 452 E. 456C - 457B It remains to prove that our policy is the best for the State. We are agreed that the training which qualifies a man to be a guardian will qualify a woman also, if their natural capacities are the same to start with. Now our male guardians, owing to their education, are the best men in the city. Our female guardians will in like manner be the best women. And there is nothing better for a city than to be peopled by the best women and the best men. This end is secured by our system of education. Therefore our women must strip for athletic exercises, and share all the labours of guardianship, in spite of the foolish laughter of those who forget that utility is the true standard of good taste.
The Republic of Plato. James Adam. 1902. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.
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