Mary Astell was an English writer and an early feminist who championed equal educational opportunities for women. Her arguments, influenced by Descartes, utilized philosophical debate to assert female rationality and equality. Astell was noted for her ability to engage in intellectual discourse with both men and women of her era, challenging the traditional social standing of women. Her writings remain a testament to her bold thinking and impact on early feminism.
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Focusing on the institution of marriage, Mary Astell critiques its role and implications for women in her work, questioning why so few marriages are happy despite being deemed a divine state. She argues that while marriage is essential for perpetuating humanity, it often subjugates women to obedience. Astell provocatively suggests that if a woman cannot accept the realities of marriage, she may choose not to marry at all. This edition offers a modernized text with glosses, notes, and resources for students to better engage with Astell's complex prose.
Mary Astell's writings represent a significant yet often overlooked contribution to constitutional debates that shaped modern democracy. As a High Church Tory pamphleteer, she emerged as one of the first systematic critics of John Locke's philosophy, particularly his Two Treatises On Government. Her critiques challenge prevailing interpretations and highlight her unique perspective in the discourse surrounding political thought during her time. Astell's work invites a reevaluation of her influence on democratic theory and the reception of Locke's ideas.