"Contending for the rights of woman, my main argument is built on this simple principle, that if she be not prepared by education to become the companion of man, she will stop the progress of knowledge and virtue; for truth must be common to all, or it will be inoperative with respect to its influence on general practice. And how can woman be expected to co-operate unless she know why she ought to be virtuous? unless freedom strengthen her reason till she comprehend her duty, and see in what manner it is connected with her real good?"
— Mary Wollstonecraft, *A Vindication of the Rights of Woman*, 1792
Which of the following best explains how Wollstonecraft’s argument in the passage reflects a core principle of the Enlightenment?
- AIt uses theories of natural selection to argue that women have biologically evolved to possess the same intellectual capacity as men.
- BIt advocates for educational reform primarily to increase state control over wealth and maintain a favorable balance of trade.
- It applies the concepts of natural rights and human reason to advocate for the expansion of education and social equality to women.Answer
- DIt argues that women should prioritize achieving anti-colonial political independence rather than a domestic restructuring of society.
Answer
Wollstonecraft's argument reflects the core Enlightenment principle of applying natural rights and human reason to advocate for the expansion of education and social equality to women.
The correct answer accurately states that Wollstonecraft extends the core Enlightenment tenets of universal human reason and natural rights to advocate for women's access to education, arguing that society cannot progress in virtue if half of its population is kept in ignorance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Enlightenment thought applied ideas of natural rights and reason to advocate for social reforms, including gender equality and education.