A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Mary Wollstonecraft)

"A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," written by Mary Wollstonecraft in 1792, is a foundational text in feminist philosophy. Wollstonecraft argues that women deserve the same educational and social rights as men, emphasizing that the apparent inferiority of women is a result of lack of education rather than any inherent inability. She advocates for women's independence, empowerment through knowledge, and their role in society as equal participants. By challenging the social norms of her time, Wollstonecraft laid the groundwork for subsequent feminist movements, promoting the idea that women's rights are essential to human progress and equality.