In this thesis I will consider three philosophers, one from ancient times, one from recent times and an oriental philosopher. These philosophers are Aristotle, Simone de Beauvoir and Laozi. First I will present their philosophy, emphasizing their views on gender and gender roles. I will then discuss what influenced their opinions on the topics. I will place the greatest emphasis on the philosophers Simone de Beauvoir because he has had a great impact on feminist thought in modern times, and on Aristotle because his philosophy has shaped European philosophy in recent times. Aristotle lived from 384 to 322 BC and is a famous figure in Greek philosophy. He was a student of Plato, who in turn was a student of Socrates. Aristotle's view of people and all living things was that their goal was to realize the possibilities that one possesses and thus become part of the great whole. For people, it was about developing skills, so-called virtues, to be happy. Aristotle used biological differences as a justification for social differences between the sexes. Aristotle believed that women were weaker than men, both mentally and physically. This thinking is also reflected in her perception of gender roles. He considered the woman inferior when it came to procreation since it was the man who contributed the seed. He maintained that the new individual was already ready in the sexual cells of man and that he only needed a woman to grow. Aristotle's views on women and men influenced subsequent times, and the idea that women have a passive, independent role in both society and family has been central to the present day. Simone de Beauvoir lived from 1908 to 1986 and was a philosopher, writer and feminist. He mainly had an existentialist view of man. Man is defined with... middle of paper... as liberation has been an important aspect of the activity of several philosophers, which is reflected in Beauvoir's philosophy and view of gender as if women are liberated , men He will also be liberated. Laozi broke with the traditional way of thinking that women were inferior to men in China. He may have been influenced by Siddhartha Gautama and Buddhism which basically believed that all people were equal regardless of gender, race and social status. Laozi may therefore have been influenced by this idea that men and women are equal and linked it to the concept of yin and yang. Since there have been many different systems of thought in Eastern philosophy, it is likely that Laozi was influenced by other things, Buddhism and Confucianism, while Laozi's Taoism influenced them in return. In this way, the different philosophies may have influenced each other.