Anaxarete: The Forgotten Female Philosopher of Ancient Greece

Anaxarete (Ancient Greek: Ἀναξαρέτη) was a female philosopher and student of Socrates in ancient Greece. She was born in the 5th century BCE, in Athens, Greece. Her name is mentioned by Plato in his dialogue "The Symposium," where she is portrayed as a wise and intelligent woman who is knowledgeable about philosophy and literature.

Little is known about Anaxarete's life beyond what is mentioned in "The Symposium." She was likely a member of an aristocratic family in Athens, and her association with Socrates suggests that she was well-educated and interested in philosophy. Some scholars have speculated that she may have been a hetaera, or a high-class courtesan, based on the fact that she is described as being beautiful and charming. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted, and it is important to note that the term "hetaera" can be problematic and reductionist when applied to women in ancient Greece.

Anaxarete's significance lies in her representation of a rare figure in ancient Greek society: a woman who was educated and knowledgeable about philosophy. Her presence in "The Symposium" highlights the importance of female voices and perspectives in philosophical discussions, and challenges traditional notions of gender roles and expectations. Despite the limited information available about her life, Anaxarete remains an intriguing and important figure in the history of ancient Greek philosophy.