Women in the Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding women's roles and rights during the Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution.

What is the main argument in Mary Wollstonecraft's 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'?

Women must be educated to become companions to men, or they will hinder the progress of knowledge and virtue.

What did Mary Wollstonecraft believe about the education of women?

She argued that education is central to the rights of women and is essential for them to understand and fulfill their duties.

What revolution is described as having few women participating directly?

The Scientific Revolution.

What was the general attitude of Enlightenment thinkers towards women's rights?

They did little to change basic attitudes about the inferiority of women.

What concept did the Scientific Revolution challenge regarding women?

The outdated perceptions regarding female physiology and women's roles in society.

How did early scientific studies affect perceptions of women?

The studies often dismissed women's contributions and upheld traditional views of male superiority.

What historical figures are mentioned in relation to the Scientific Revolution?

Galileo, Newton, and their contributions to understanding the universe.

According to Bonnie Anderson and Judith Zinsser, how did men's views during the Scientific Revolution affect women's roles?

Men used the guise of science to support traditional views of women's nature and function.

What was one of the consequences of the intellectual upheaval during the Scientific Revolution?

Men began to question and alter established precepts of European wisdom.