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 xv
... the self can be alienated by slavery . Her arguments for freedom from domination surely rest on different grounds , namely , the integrity of the person as body and soul in Christian doctrine . Indeed Acknowledgements XV.
... the self can be alienated by slavery . Her arguments for freedom from domination surely rest on different grounds , namely , the integrity of the person as body and soul in Christian doctrine . Indeed Acknowledgements XV.
Page xvi
Theorist of Freedom from Domination Patricia Springborg. person as body and soul in Christian doctrine . Indeed , as ... persons and events mentioned in the chapters indicate entries there . Where I have not had access to special- ist ...
Theorist of Freedom from Domination Patricia Springborg. person as body and soul in Christian doctrine . Indeed , as ... persons and events mentioned in the chapters indicate entries there . Where I have not had access to special- ist ...
Page 20
... persons'.70 She asks , ' Upon what are the Satyrs against Marriage grounded ? Not upon the state itself , if they are just , but upon the ill choice or foolish conduct of whose who are in it .... ' 71 She defends the married state ...
... persons'.70 She asks , ' Upon what are the Satyrs against Marriage grounded ? Not upon the state itself , if they are just , but upon the ill choice or foolish conduct of whose who are in it .... ' 71 She defends the married state ...
Page 30
... Person , or one that had had but a small share of candour or good nature wou'd readily and easily have made allowances upon this Score , & not have troubled the World with such uncharitable Exclamations , for so small a Transgression ...
... Person , or one that had had but a small share of candour or good nature wou'd readily and easily have made allowances upon this Score , & not have troubled the World with such uncharitable Exclamations , for so small a Transgression ...
Page 34
... person to the author of the Reflections , she declares : 22 Far be it from her to stir up Sedition of any sort , none can abhor it more ; and she heartily wishes that our Masters wou'd pay their Civil and Ecclesiastical Governors the ...
... person to the author of the Reflections , she declares : 22 Far be it from her to stir up Sedition of any sort , none can abhor it more ; and she heartily wishes that our Masters wou'd pay their Civil and Ecclesiastical Governors the ...
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