Mary Wollstonecraft Flashcards
Wollstonecraft dates
1759-97
her works
a vindication of the rights of women 1792 (most important)
a vindication of the rights of man 1790
what was her primary claim
enlightenment’s optimistic view on human nature+assumption it was guided by reason
^ should be applied to all human beings (male and female)
what did she argued about society and the state in 18th century england
that it implied women weren’t rational
so they were denied individual freedom+formal equality
give examples which backs up her claim that women didnt have individual freedom in the 18th century
rarely allowed to own any land
sacrificed individualism when becoming wives
in the 18th century what was a violation of consent
women couldn’t vote
they were being governed
what did she argue the supressing of female individualism would lead to in England
limiting stock of intelligence, morality + wisdom
quote to show her arguing against the limitation of freedom for women and how it damages society
‘such arrangements are not conditions where reason and progression may prosper’
did wollstone craft favour the French and American revolutions
yes
many classical liberals did
why did she attack Edmund Burke in her book ‘The Vindication of the Rights of Men’
didn’t like that he defended custom, history and aristocratic rule when talking about the french revolution
why did she applaud the french revolution
emphasis was on citizens not just men
what did she accept about women in the 18th century
they were complicit in their position
they desired motherhood and marriage
what did she suggest in order for women to realise their individual potential
formal education (but also for men) without it, people wouldn't be able to recognice the 'absurdity' of illiberal principles e.g divine right
human nature summary
men+women not that different intellectually different
rationalism-both genders
the state summary
republic which enshrines women’s rights
