Aristotle on Household Hierarchy and Metaphysical Explanation

This chapter explores Aristotle’s account of household hierarchy in Politics 1, focusing on his use of metaphysical explanation. It argues that Aristotle takes the natural rule of men over women within the household to be metaphysically explained by a difference in deliberative capacity. The central question addressed is how to understand this difference within the conceptual framework of Aristotle’s logical works. Is it essential, necessary without being essential, or accidental? Each proposal faces significant difficulties, leaving us with a dilemma. If the difference between men and women is essential, then the household hierarchy is on a firm basis, but we have a conflict with Aristotle’s views on essence, particularly human essence. If men and women are essentially the same, then this conflict is avoided, but other problems arise, leaving it unclear why men should be the natural rulers of the household.