more from 'A Serious Proposal to the Ladies I' by Mary Astell

Single Idea 20581

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 3. Natural Values / a. Natural freedom]

Full Idea

If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?

Gist of Idea

If men are born free, are women born slaves?

Source

Mary Astell (A Serious Proposal to the Ladies I [1694]), quoted by Johanna Oksala - Political Philosophy: all that matters Ch.9

Book Reference

Oksala,Johanna: 'Political Philosophy' [Hodder and Stoughton 2013], p.118


A Reaction

What a magnificent question for such an early date. She is said to have been the 'first British feminist'. It is not just a feminist point, but a strong objection to the idea that anyone is 'born free'. Because there is no way to tell if it is true.