Study Notes on Enlightenment Figures

The lecture covers famous writers and thinkers during the Enlightenment era.
The figures are arranged chronologically by birth, with notable quotes included.
Each figure will be discussed with a focus on their contributions and significance.

Recognized as the first professional woman writer in England.
- Quote: "…gave women the right to speak their minds.” – Virginia Woolf.
Notable Works:
- Plays, epistolary fiction, novellas, notably Uru Noko.
- Uru Noko chronicles the story of an African prince ensnared into slavery.
- Poetry that is explicit on themes of sexuality.
Contributions:
- Her work opened avenues for both male and female playwrights and novelists in the 18th century.
- Despite early dismissal of her work, she became a significant figure in literature.

A nun from New Spain (colonial Mexico), acclaimed as one of the most significant writers of her time.
Known for her passionate defense of women's intellectual rights.
- In her poem "Response to the Poet", she asserts the necessity for women to seek education and express their intellect.
Contributions:
- Placed New Spain on the literary map through her writings.
- Created approximately 65 sonnets and composed plays across genres, including comedies and dramas.

Influential philosopher known for his works on enlightenment.
- His treatise "What is Enlightenment?" defines enlightenment as the period where individuals can escape their self-imposed immaturity.
Main Ideas:
- He argues that societal laziness and cowardice prevent individuals from utilizing their understanding without guidance.
- Highlights the importance of individuals thinking independently rather than relying on authorities for truth.
- Stated that religious incompetence is among the most harmful forms of ignorance.

Philosopher known for his views on empiricism and skepticism.
Advocated that moral beliefs should not be based on mental categories of superiority, particularly regarding race.
Contributions:
- Hume criticized racial superiority arguments used to justify practices like slavery, promoting the concept of equality among individuals regardless of societal class.

Considered the founder of modern feminism, authoring "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman."
Key Arguments:
- Advocated for women’s rights to freedom and authority equal to men’s, emphasizing women's capacity for reason.
Background:
- Faced personal struggles, including an abusive father and tumultuous relationships with men.
- Opened a school for children that ultimately failed.
- Died shortly after childbirth, leaving a lasting legacy through her daughter, Mary Shelley, author of "Frankenstein."

A controversial figure, known for his philosophical libertinism and writings on violence and eroticism.
Developed the term "sadism" derived from his name, linked to cruelty.
Main Ideas:
- Argued that cruelty reflects societal mutation rather than inherent human disposition.
- Suggested that societal constraints cause cruelty rather than the absence of such norms allowing it to flourish.
Notable Quote:
- "Cruelty is simply the energy which the civilization of man has not yet altogether corrupted."
- He contended that removing societal rules would not encourage cruelty, as such acts are reactions to resistance.