How Did Mary Wollstonecraft Developed During The Enlightenment

Mary Wollstonecraft was a radical Enlightenment writer. In one of her most famous literatures, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, Wollstonecraft envisions an efficacious society founded upon reason. Reason is the foundation of all intellect. If all members in society are equally intelligent, progress will be made to advance society. Wollstonecraft believes solving the disparities between women and men through an equal education is fundamental to the progression of society. The ideas concerning reason and progress were major philosophies developing during the Enlightenment. Mary Wollstonecraft was an Enlightenment philosopher; this premise demonstrated by her relentless work advocating for the importance of reason and progress within society.

During the Enlightenment, the revolutionary concept of reason “could find the laws that governed human society” (Spielvogel 598). Wollstonecraft undoubtedly supported this idea; she believed the most effective society would be engrained with reason. Without reason, citizens were useless. Individuals could not contribute to society and help advance or solve its issues. Reason was the solution for the persisting issues society faced, without individuals “exercising their reason [they] become dead weights” (Wollstonecraft). Similarly, Enlightenment philosophers believed “better understanding could make the world a better place” (Mcmahon). To build a strong foundation for a successful society, a strong foundation of reason is indispensable. Wollstonecraft notably believed that society could

Progress was generally defined as “the idea that human history forms a movement . . . towards a desirable future” (Ginsberg). Wollstonecraft believed that a desirable future could not be attained if all citizens are not equally, and properly, educated. In school, “the minds of women are enfeebled by false refinement” (Wollstonecraft). This inadequate education will not produce any means of progress in society. Society will benefit extremely if more individuals are allowed education because “intellect will always govern” (Wollstonecraft). Enlightenment philosophers believed progress was a “connection between advances in knowledge and social betterment” (Ginsberg). With an equal opportunity for education between men and women, social betterment will ensue. Wollstonecraft argued that society should focus on the pursuit of progress as opposed to social dominance. Wollstonecraft arguing for education equality to progress society is consistent with Enlightenment philosophies. The beliefs of Mary Wollstonecraft are undoubtedly in concurrence with the philosophies of the Enlightenment. Wollstonecraft had a deep understanding that society would only be able to progress if the foundation of all individuals’ knowledge was