Mary Astell: Theorist of Freedom from DominationPhilosopher, theologian, educational theorist, feminist and political pamphleteer, Mary Astell was an important figure in the history of ideas of the early modern period. Among the first systematic critics of John Locke's entire corpus, she is best known for the famous question which prefaces her Reflections on Marriage: 'If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?' She is claimed by modern Republican theorists and feminists alike but, as a Royalist High Church Tory, the peculiar constellation of her views sits uneasily with modern commentators. Patricia Springborg's study addresses these apparent paradoxes, recovering the historical and philosophical contexts to her thought. She shows that Astell was not alone in her views; rather, she was part of a cohort of early modern women philosophers who were important for the reception of Descartes and who grappled with the existential problems of a new age. |
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Page xvii
... liberty of conscience . 1688 James dissolves Parliament . Birth of James's son and possible heir . Invasion of Prince William of Orange and his wife , Mary , James's own daughter . James flees to France . 1689 Convention Parliament ...
... liberty of conscience . 1688 James dissolves Parliament . Birth of James's son and possible heir . Invasion of Prince William of Orange and his wife , Mary , James's own daughter . James flees to France . 1689 Convention Parliament ...
Page 16
... Liberty , and abjectly submit their Necks to a slavish Yoke . As the world grew more Populous , and mens Necessities , whetted their Inventions , so it increas'd their Jealousie and sharpen'd their Tyranny over us , till by degrees , it ...
... Liberty , and abjectly submit their Necks to a slavish Yoke . As the world grew more Populous , and mens Necessities , whetted their Inventions , so it increas'd their Jealousie and sharpen'd their Tyranny over us , till by degrees , it ...
Page 20
... Liberty nor Ingenuity to make Reprizals ! that they shou'd waste their Time , and debase their good Sense which fits them for the most weighty Affairs , such as are suitable to their profound Wisdoms and exalted Understandings ! To ...
... Liberty nor Ingenuity to make Reprizals ! that they shou'd waste their Time , and debase their good Sense which fits them for the most weighty Affairs , such as are suitable to their profound Wisdoms and exalted Understandings ! To ...
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Page 89
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