Resources you will need
12/8/21, 4:09 PM Block 1, Unit 5: Mary Wollstonecraft: View as single page
https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=1788452&printable=1#section3 2/16
In this unit, you will be studying extracts from Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (first published in 1792). All the extracts you need are provided in Chapter 5 of Book 1, Reputations.
2 Aims
This unit will:
introduce the subject of philosophy through the work, life and reputation of Mary Wollstonecraft
reflect on the relation between a philosopher’s viewpoint and their life and reputation
further develop your ability to interpret a historical text, and in particular your ability to identify a philosophical argument within it
examine debates over the existence and significance of natural differences between different groups of people (for example, men and women).
3 Mary Wollstonecraft Wollstonecraft has sometimes been called the ‘architect’ or ‘mother’ of feminism. This can be a misleading label for several reasons. We will uncover these reasons in the Introduction of Chapter 5, after which the word ‘feminism’ will barely be used.
That said, before you turn to this week’s book chapter, it is worth clarifying in your own mind what you currently think about feminism, and about the topic of gender equality more broadly.
Activity
1. Write down a definition of ‘feminism’ or ‘feminist’. These words are used in many different ways, so don’t worry about giving the ‘right’ definition. Just aim to capture how you interpret the terms.
2. Write down how positively or negatively you feel towards feminism or feminists. Try to understand and explain why you feel this way.
3. Write down how you feel at the prospect of studying someone who is sometimes described as the ‘mother of feminism’. Whether your answer is ‘enthused’, ‘bored’ or something else entirely, try to understand and explain why you feel this way.
