Writing Assignment There are some clear differences regarding Locke and Wollstonecraft’s descriptions of reason and freedom. Now, many years later, we consider whether or not there are new limitations on human freedom in our current society that contradicts either individual’s statements. As a constantly changing society our ideas and beliefs are always developing, and I do agree with Locke’s assertion that humanity is guided by reason. However, I also appreciate Wollstonecraft’s conviction that “Brute force has hitherto governed the world…” and her disputes regarding the flawed reasoning which accompanies society’s perception of women and their potential contributions. With that being said, I’m confident that as a modern and advancing society our reasoning has been able to progress past what it was in the past. I believe that today we are better able recognize when limitations are being unnecessarily placed on human freedoms. In my opinion, efforts made by those advocating for the inclusion of marginalized groups have had a monumental impact on the protection of all human rights. Locke contended …show more content…
While Locke argued that humanity was guided by reason, Wollstonecraft insisted that reason was lacking when it came to the roles given to and led by women within society. Instead she concluded that rather than reason “Brute force has hitherto governed the world…”. Wollstonecraft’s writing offers a very different perspective regarding human freedom, reason, and what guides humanity. She recounts her own experience with humanity and how rather than it being lead by knowledge or reason, it was instead driven by power and force. When reflecting on historic events throughout history, the influence produced by massive demonstrations and powerful public endorsements lends support to Wollstonecraft’s argument that humanity is led by