Work · Empiricism, Enlightenment & Liberalism
Occasional Thoughts in Reference to a Vertuous or Christian Life
Why women must be educated to reason about religion and morals – and why ignorance is no protection of virtue.
Introduction
Masham’s second book appeared anonymously in 1705, shortly after Locke’s death. It argues that a Christian life must rest on understanding rather than on custom or fear, and that this applies to women as much as to men. Because mothers shape children’s first years, an education that keeps girls ignorant of anything beyond domestic skills and fashion weakens the virtue of the whole society. Masham defends a religion grounded in reason against both enthusiasm and mere authority. The book draws on Locke’s Some Thoughts concerning Education (1693) and is now read as part of the early modern debate on women’s education, alongside Mary Astell.
Connections
Builds on
- An Essay Concerning Human Understanding1689 · John Locke
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