EPISODE · Nov 16, 2023 · 10 MIN
577: Mary Astell
from Philosophy Talk Starters · host Philosophy Talk Starters
More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/mary-astell. Mary Astell (1666–1731) was an English philosopher and writer who advocated for equal rights for women. While she described marriage as a type of “slavery,” she was also a staunch conservative who claimed that women who did marry should accept subordination to their husbands. So what was Astell's vision for the education of women? How did she reconcile her seemingly conflicting views on marriage? And why did philosopher John Locke criticize her views on natural law? Josh and Ray explore her life and thought with Allauren Forbes from McMaster University. Part of the "Wise Women" series, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
What this episode covers
More at https://www.philosophytalk.org/shows/mary-astell. Mary Astell (1666–1731) was an English philosopher and writer who advocated for equal rights for women. While she described marriage as a type of “slavery,” she was also a staunch conservative who claimed that women who did marry should accept subordination to their husbands. So what was Astell's vision for the education of women? How did she reconcile her seemingly conflicting views on marriage? And why did philosopher John Locke criticize her views on natural law? Josh and Ray explore her life and thought with Allauren Forbes from McMaster University. Part of the "Wise Women" series, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
NOW PLAYING
577: Mary Astell
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Feb 8, 2026 ·4m
Jan 30, 2026 ·6m
Dec 15, 2025 ·2m
Nov 30, 2025 ·5m
Oct 26, 2025 ·14m
Oct 26, 2025 ·61m