I Greci e l'aborto fra teoria politica e prassi medica. Per una rilettura di Platone, Aristotele e Ippocrate

Abstract

This paper focuses on Plato and Aristotle’s views about the abortion. It firstly reviews Plato’s reflections on this topic starting from his philosophical works about the ideal state; it secondly analyses Aristotle’s biological thought, with particular attention to embryology. Another issue considered is the importance of eugenetic criterion in connection of family planning and ancient Greek demography. It also evaluates Hippocrates and hippocratic physicians’ assessments of the risks involved as a reflection of communis opinio on this topic.

Keywords

• platone, aristotele, aborto, gravidanza, pensiero medico, giuramento di ippocrate, abortion, pregnancy, medical thought, hippocratic oath