Phintys

Phintys was a Pythagorean philosopher, likely from the third century BC. Her work focused on the proper conduct of women, with two excerpts preserved by Stobaeus. The fragments, written in the Doric dialect, argue for chastity as a primary virtue for women and emphasize self-control. Phintys also asserted that philosophy was an appropriate pursuit for women, just as it was for men. While some suggest a connection to the Spartan general Callicratidas, making her a Spartan from the late fifth century BC, this is considered speculative. Another account by Iamblichus mentions a female Pythagorean named Philtys from Croton, whose father was Theophrius, but this individual is generally considered distinct from Stobaeus' Phintys.