Answer to Question #226364 in Philosophy for Madida

Question

Magobe Ramose's observes that Aristotle's definition of man as a rational animal is racist and sexist because it is exclusive. Critically discuss Ramose's argument?

Answer 1

Aristotle defined human beings as rational animals. The philosopher stresses that he regards rationality as the crucial differentiating characteristic of human beings, but he nowhere defines the essence of what it is to be human in these terms. What is more, he offers no systematic treatise on human beings. Therefore, his definition of man as a rational animal is exclusive as Ramose argues.