1. In what senses is A Vindication of the Rights of Woman more than a plea for a better education for women? Discuss some of the ways in which one might see in Wollstonecraft's argument a revolutionary agenda which includes a great deal more than issues concerning the education of women.

2. "For while the human race has no doubt progressed since that memorable moment [the birth of Mary Wollstonecraft], Mary Wollstonecraft is still very much the pioneer, far ahead of our own time." Discuss this quote. In what ways in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman still "far ahead of own time"? In what ways, if any, has it become dated?

3. "So intent is Wollstonecraft to reject the prevalent stereotype of women as all sexuality that she comes close to arguing that women have no innate sexual desire at all." Discuss this quote. How adequate is Wollstonecraft's account of female sexuality? To what extent does her treatment of that subject limit her argument or at least encourage one to question its adequacy?

4. Central to Mary Wollstonecraft's argument in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman is a particular conception of morality for men and women. Describe and evaluate that system of moral behaviour. How adequate is it? Upon what assumptions does it rest? What complex questions does it raise?

5. Mary Wollstonecraft often invokes religion to support her arguments. What is her view of religion, and how does that view fit her central case about the need for a revolution in the treatment and behaviour of women?

6. What possible reasons might one advance for not supporting Mary Wollstonecraft's arguments for a revolution in the treatment and education of women? Make sure you focus directly upon her argument and not just upon a case irrelevant to the one she is making.

7. Mary Wollstonecraft has a good deal to say about the pernicious effects of popular culture (especially fiction) on the education of women. Why does she devote such effort to this matter? How relevant are her remarks today?

8. Compare Rousseau's arguments about the education of Sophy with those of Wollstonecraft? Are there some important measures of agreement? What are the major sources of disagreement? Which of the two is more persuasive?