Mary Woolstonecraft - Key Thinker 2 Flashcards
How did the enlightenment change Woolsontecraft’s view of human nature?
Enlightenments optimistic view on human nature meant we are guided on reason
Argued this should apply to ALL humans, despite gender
Woolstonecraft’s view of 1775 American revolution + 1789 French revolution, and it’s impact on the state
Attacked Burke’s critique
Stressed importance of:
- A republican government
- Formal equality for both genders, particularly agreed with the French wording of ‘citizen’ rather than ‘man’
Highlighted the need for a constitution which protected individuals’ rights
Woolstonecraft’s 18th century woman
In 18th century, state + society implied women weren’t rational, so denied them individual freedoms.
E.g. They could not vote till the ‘1918 Representation of the People Act’, where women over 30 and met a property qualification could vote
Women themselves were complicit
Woolstonecraft’s opinion to improve women’s standing in society
Through formal education
Develop rational faculties (thoughts based on reason rather than emotion), therefore women can reach their full potential
Now they can realise absurdness of doctrines such as ‘Divine right of kings’
Woolstonecraft’s opinions of the discredit of women’s impact on economy
By discounting women, states were limiting their bank of intelligence, wisdom + morality
“Such arrangements are not conditions where reason and progress may prosper”