1. The Enlightenment: Astell & Wollstonecraft
How do women influence the Enlightenment?

2. I. Mary Astell
A , born in England
B. Believed in equal rights for women
C. Wrote A Serious Proposal to the Ladies
D. Influences: Early women’s rights movements
E. Argues there is an unequal relationship between men & women that the Enlightenment doesn’t address (talk about)
serious lack of educational opportunities for women
F. Quote: “If all men are born free, how is it that women are born slaves?” (critical of Locke)
G. Known as the First Feminist
H. Astell’s ideas influence Mary Wollstonecraft

3. II. Mary Wollstonecraft
A , born in Britain (England)
B. Believed in gender equality and co-edu.
C. Wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women
D. Influences: Co-education, 19th Amendment, Title IX
E. Urged women to read (despite male belief that it encouraged female wickedness)
- Enlightenment should apply to both men & women.
F. Some philosophers (Rousseau) argued that girls should be educated on how to be a helpful wife & mother
G. She wrote that women’s education should not be secondary to men’s
H. She urged women to enter male-dominated fields allowing Women to become productive members of society

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