The Enlightenment:The Enlightenment:Astell & WollstonecraftAstell & Wollstonecraft

How do women influence the Enlightenment?

Mary AstellMary Astell 1666-1731, born in England Was committed to equal rights for women Wrote A Serious Proposal to Ladies Influences: Women’s rights movements Nicknamed “The First English Feminist”

Astell argues against other Enlightenment philosophers ideas because of the unequal relationship between men & women

Discusses the serious lack of educational opportunities for women Quote: “If all men are born free, how is it that women are born

slaves?” (critical of Locke) Astell’s ideas influence Mary Wollstonecraft

Mary WollstonecraftMary Wollstonecraft 1759-1797, born in Britain (England) Committed to gender equality and co-education Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women Influences: Co-education, 19th Amendment, Title IX

During this period, many males scolded women for reading because it would encourage wickedness

Wollstonecraft urged women to read arguing that Enlightenment should apply to both men & women.

Philosophers like Rousseau argued strongly for education but said that girls should be educated on how to be a helpful wife & mother

She wrote that women’s education should not be secondary to men’s She urged women to enter male-dominated fields allowing Women to

become productive members of society

Q: Does today’s society believe in the ideas of Wollstonecraft & Astell?