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.