Enlightenment Rousseau and Wollstonecraft

Learning objectives Outline the major principles of the Enlightenment philosophy (1). Describe and evaluate the central message and evidence presented in both Rousseau and Wollstonecraft’s work (2). In what way(s) to the pieces exemplify Enlightenment philosophy? Support your claims with specific evidence from the cultural artifacts (3). In what way(s) are the philosophers’ work relevant now? In what ways do we see the influence of Wollstonecraft’s or Rousseau’s ideas in our contemporary society? In which contemporary cultural artifact can you recognize the influence of the philosophers ideas? (5) Be specific. Explain the connections you identify.

Enlightenment Thought-Politics Jean Jacques Rousseau ( ) Jean Jacques Rousseau ( ) Discourses on Inequality (1755) Discourses on Inequality (1755) Emile (1762) Emile (1762) On the Social Contract ( ) On the Social Contract ( )

Re: Enlightenment Critics: Immanuel Kant ( ), Johann Gottfried Herder ( ), and Denis Diderot ( ) Critics: Immanuel Kant ( ), Johann Gottfried Herder ( ), and Denis Diderot ( ) Common humanity Common humanity –Based in respect for the human condition –Culture is complex –European culture is an abstraction and a fallacy –Against subjugation of people i.e. natives and Africans for imperial, material purposes –Forms foundation for Anti-slavery, Anti-slavery, and women’s movements

A Note on Gender If you were born into artisan or nobility you could be granted access, but not credit usually If you were born into artisan or nobility you could be granted access, but not credit usually Exceptions; Margaret Cavendish wife of the Duke of Newcastle, published in late 17 th century. Mary Wollstonecraft (Godwin) not nobility, but born and married into intellectual circles. Exceptions; Margaret Cavendish wife of the Duke of Newcastle, published in late 17 th century. Mary Wollstonecraft (Godwin) not nobility, but born and married into intellectual circles.

Mary Wollstonecraft If the Enlightenment was about questioning the order of the world and building a common humanity, why are so many left out of this equation? If the Enlightenment was about questioning the order of the world and building a common humanity, why are so many left out of this equation? Who is citizen? Is this the same as who is human? Who is citizen? Is this the same as who is human? Mary was quite contrary... Mary was quite contrary... Born 1759 died 1797 Born 1759 died 1797 In the NY public library In the NY public library

If you were to think of her... think philosophy

Wollstonecraft What is the purpose of writing this work? What is the purpose of writing this work? What is her major claim? What is her major claim? What evidence does she use? What evidence does she use? Who is her audience? Who is her audience? Do you buy it? Do you buy it? What problems do you see with her logic? What problems do you see with her logic?

Learning objectives Outline the major principles of the Enlightenment philosophy. Describe and evaluate the central message and evidence presented in both Rousseau and Wollstonecraft’s work. In what way(s) to the pieces exemplify Enlightenment philosophy? Support your claims with specific evidence from the cultural artifacts. In what way(s) are the philosophers’ work relevant now? In what ways do we see the influence of Wollstonecraft’s or Rousseau’s ideas in our contemporary society? In which contemporary cultural artifact can you recognize the influence of the philosophers ideas? (5) Be specific. Explain the connections you identify.

Next time Enlightened Response and Romanticism Enlightened Response and Romanticism