Answer :
Final answer:
Mary Astell critiqued the contradiction between Enlightenment ideals and the societal realities for women in the 18th century Europe, showing that while Enlightenment principles professed equality, they were predominantly realized for men and a select group of elite women.
Explanation:
Mary Astell critiqued Enlightenment ideals and the reality of women in European society as a stark contrast. Although Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, focused on principles of freedom and equality, the reality was that these opportunities were more often accessible for men and a small elite subset of women educated in salons and scientific societies rather than women in general. Astell, much like other women contributing intellectually to the Enlightenment era like Mary Wollstonecraft and Judith Sargent Murray, underscored these contradictions.
Elite women like Émilie du Châtelet and Germaine de Staël played roles in the intellectual debates of the Enlightenment, however the majority of women were excluded. This included women lacking access to public spaces of politics and business, leadership roles within the household, and educational opportunities. Astell's criticisms pointed out the disparity between the Enlightenment's ideals of equality and the reality for women.
Nobility and aristocratic women had some practical involvement in scientific research, furthering the Enlightenment's emphasis on empirical study and progress, but this was a privilege not extended to most women. This brought into question the perceived universality of Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing that while these principles were admirable, their application was limited and not inclusive to all. Astell's work provided significant early critique on social inequality and gender disparities during the Enlightenment.
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