Mary Astell: Theorist of Freedom from Domination

Philosopher, theologian, educational theorist, feminist and political pamphleteer, Mary Astell was an important figure in the history of ideas of the early modern period. Among the first systematic critics of John Locke’s entire corpus, she is best known for the famous question which prefaces her Reflections on Marriage: ‘If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?’ She is claimed by modern Republican theorists and feminists alike but, as a Royalist High Church Tory, the peculiar constellation of her views sits uneasily with modern commentators. Patricia Springborg’s study addresses these apparent paradoxes, recovering the historical and philosophical contexts to her thought. She shows that Astell was not alone in her views; rather, she was part of a cohort of early modern women philosophers who were important for the reception of Descartes and who grappled with the existential problems of a new age.

• Examines the early modern feminist Mary Astell, addressing the apparent paradoxes between her radical beliefs and position as a Royalist High Church Tory • Shows how early modern women philosophers were important for the reception of Descartes • Discusses Mary Astell’s thoughts on freedom from domination and classical republicanism

1. Mary Astell, Polemicist, philosopher and theologian; 2. Astell, Drake, education, epistemology and the serious proposal; 3. Astell on marriage, patriarchalism and contractarianism; 4. Mary Astell and the settlement of 1689; 5. A fair way with the dissenters and their patrons; 6. Astell, Locke and the highwayman: a test case; 7. Astell, Drake and the legacy of freedom from domination.