Cause and Effect Essay on Virtue in the Vindication of the Rights of Women

Introduction

In vindication of the rights of women, Wollstonecraft outlines different virtues that if embraced, could empower women and create a neutral society. This is portrayed through her explanation of the different values and virtues. She tries to capture the attention of the readers through the expression of issues like the importance of virtues in building the society (Mackenzie 67). Wollstonecraft also tries to express her bitterness on many aspects of life, as they are shaped by the way different groups conduct themselves. In her post, she explains attributes like class, sensibility and others. She argues that passion should always narrow down to friendship and that happy marriage can only be built on passion (Mackenzie 67). She does this by explaining that it is difficult for marriage and friendship to go hand in hand. She further explains that women should overcome the desires of their flesh lest they become or remain hostage to their bodies. In her claims, it is clear that she adores the role of passion and purpose than playing victims to men and allowing them to control their lives.

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Wollstonecraft explains the causes that make women become subjects to men rather than being able to command their destiny through positive thinking and aversion to dogma. She asserts that it is the mentality of women to live the results obtained by the thoughts of men that make them captives to men. She claims that women are always or mostly consumed with "romantic wavering" which translates to mean that they are only confined to the satisfaction of their lusts (Mackenzie 67). She explains that this is orchestrated by the elimination of sexuality from the life of a woman as expressed by rights of women. It is the thinking that makes women exaggerates the significance of sensual in women's' daily life.

Some scholars argue that Wollstonecraft's argument teaches republicanism in that her version is more centered on the belief that masculine and feminine roles should be distinct and strong. She explains that the lack of proper sexual distinction is what brings about feminized men who subsequently destroy the society (Mackenzie 68). She advocates for the overthrow of all titles, which drives home the point that all men and women should equally be represented in the government. Wollstonecraft further has the definition of virtues focused on the happiness of an individual instead of the community or society at large. This affects the society in that it brings egocentrism and rules out the growth of the community. Thus, the explanation of Wollstonecraft on the rights of individuals and their duties end up being expressed in a language that is basically individualistic (Mackenzie 69). However, her explanation of the role of individuals in any given family setting brings about diligence and thus patriotism and cohesion in social settings like families. It is the view of life as individual and with duties tied to it that augments relationships and families rather than dependence on a specific individual to carry out certain tasks.

Wollstonecraft also brings about the issue of class. She justifies her arguments by viewing virtues as subsets of class. She praises the middle-class individuals as the group of people who uphold important virtues like industry and modesty (Mackenzie 69). In this case, she argues that the middle class is the most natural group of individuals who work for success while at the same time retaining dignity and decorum. She criticises the wealthy with similar arguments as she uses against women. This she does by explaining that the rich harbour some evil antics like immorality, corruption and inhuman practices (Mackenzie 73). She further argues that the upbringing of the rich above the natural affections and wants causes them to be corrupt and immoral.

Wollstonecraft also argues that the rich are artificial beings who are brought up in the delusion that one does not need to struggle so hard to achieve certain goals and this "false-refinement" eventually spreads corruption in the whole society (Mackenzie 76). In her opinion, the poor are a group of people who are lucky because their chances of being ensnared by the traps of wealth are minimal. Thus, she does not in any way express any sympathy towards the poor. She further explains that poverty commits people as they struggle to come out of it (Mackenzie 67). It is the struggle to come out of poverty that makes people too committed to affording any time for pervasion or indulgence in unhealthy behaviours and evil vices.

Wollstonecraft also brings about sensibility as another aspect that affects virtues. She criticizes women for what she refers to as excessive sensibility (Mackenzie 89). She claims that women who mostly get ensnared by sensibility are affected by every moment of unhappiness because they give too much attention to their senses hence becoming captives to them. This captivity to sense prevents these women from rational thinking. Sensibility causes harm not only to the women but also to the entire society. Those women who are trapped by sensibility are less likely to build the society (Mackenzie 90). Excessive sensibility makes an individual respond to temporary situations with lifelong decisions hence dragging the society back.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of virtues in the life of an individual is presented as the main thing that determines how individuals perceive life. For instance, gender issues and their role in changing the way individuals think, behave and act portray the essence of living a healthy life are very critical. Further, social class, gender and influence from the surroundings determine the general growth of an individual, his/her thoughts and the decisions that one makes.

Works Cited

Mackenzie, Catriona. "Mary Wollstonecraft." The Social and Political Philosophy of Mary Wollstonecraft, 2016, pp. 67-91.