Mary Wollstonecraft 1759-97 Flashcards
book:
“A Vindication of the Rights of Women”1792, developed the opinions of classical liberalism in relation to gender
what was her main argument?
the enlightenments optimistic view of human nature was guided by reason applying to all humans - male and female. She argues that in 18th century England, both society and the state implied women were not rational, and this denied them formal equality
as a result of fettering female induvidualism, what negatives were society bringing?
nations were limiting their stock of intelligence, wisdom and morality. She claimed “such arrangements are not conditions where reason and progress can prosper”.
views on the American and French revolutions?
welcomed the 1776 American Revolution and the 1789 French Revolution. Her other major work, “A Vindication of the rights on women” 1790”, attacked Edmunds Burkes critic of the French Revolution, his history and aristocratic rule.
what government did she support
expressed her support for a republican government and formal equality , involving a constitutional defence of individual rights. Such formal equality should be given to all individuals not just men, for this reason she applauded the French revolutions emphasis on “citizens” not men.
how did women concede to discrimination and how could this be overcome?
generally only desiring motherhood and marriage. for this to be corrected formal education must become availible to as many women as possible. without this, individuals could never develop their rational faculties and never realise individual potential
