Mary Woolstonecraft - Key Thinker 2 Flashcards

1
Q

How did the enlightenment change Woolsontecraft’s view of human nature?

A

Enlightenments optimistic view on human nature meant we are guided on reason

Argued this should apply to ALL humans, despite gender

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2
Q

Woolstonecraft’s view of 1775 American revolution + 1789 French revolution, and it’s impact on the state

A

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

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3
Q

Woolstonecraft’s 18th century woman

A

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

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4
Q

Woolstonecraft’s opinion to improve women’s standing in society

A

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’

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5
Q

Woolstonecraft’s opinions of the discredit of women’s impact on economy

A

By discounting women, states were limiting their bank of intelligence, wisdom + morality

“Such arrangements are not conditions where reason and progress may prosper”

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