A Serious Proposal to the Ladies
A Serious Proposal to the Ladies is a work by the English philosopher Mary Astell, published in two parts in 1694 and 1697. It argues for women's intellectual development and connects their education with Christian religious life.[1]
The two proposals
The first part envisages a community where women could study and practise their religion together. It would provide both education for young women and a place of retirement for unmarried women. The proposed institution was not established. The second part offers a programme of study that women could follow without such a community.[1]
Astell's approach belongs to rationalist philosophy, which gives reason a central place in attaining knowledge. She treats inherited prejudice about women's abilities as an obstacle to learning, rather than proof that women cannot reason well. Her method asks readers to define their question, set aside irrelevant ideas, work from simpler matters to more complex ones, examine the subject thoroughly, remain focused and withhold judgement beyond the evidence.[2]
Historical setting
The book addresses chiefly the women of the gentry and nobility around Astell in England. Its purpose is intellectual and spiritual improvement, rather than training for a profession. Its challenge to assumptions about women's minds therefore sits within the religious and social world of its period.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Project Vox. “Astell (1666–1731)”, biography and chronology. Duke University research project. Accessed 10 October 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Alice Sowaal. “Mary Astell”. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, revised 6 June 2023, section 3, “Method: Philosophy of Education”. Accessed 10 October 2026.