A History of Women's Political Thought in Europe, 1700–1800

This book explores and examines the political philosophies of enlightenment women across Europe in the eighteenth century.

From Astell, Macaulay, and Olympe de Gouges, to Jeanne-Marie Roland and Eleanora Pimentel, this volume explores and examines the important and historically overlooked contribution of women thinkers to enlightenment political thought. It is an essential resource for readers of political philosophy, intellectual history, eighteenth-century studies and women's studies.During the eighteenth century, elite women participated in the philosophical, scientific, and political controversies that resulted in the overthrow of monarchy, the reconceptualisation of marriage, and the emergence of modern, democratic institutions. In this comprehensive study, Karen Green outlines and discusses the ideas and arguments of these women, exploring the development of their distinctive and contrasting political positions, and their engagement with the works of political thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, Mandeville and Rousseau. Her exploration ranges across Europe from England through France, Italy, Germany and Russia, and discusses thinkers including Mary Astell, Emilie Du Châtelet, Luise Kulmus-Gottsched and Elisabetta Caminer Turra. This study demonstrates the depth of women's contributions to eighteenth-century political debates, recovering their historical significance and deepening our understanding of this period in intellectual history. It will provide an essential resource for readers in political philosophy, political theory, intellectual history, and women's studies.