Nísia Floresta
Jul 07, 2024Nísia Floresta was a 19th-century writer and translator known as “the Brazilian Mary Wollstonecraft.
Nísia Floresta is often called "the Brazilian Mary Wollstonecraft" because people thought her first book was a translation of Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Women. We now know that she was really translating a political pamphlet by someone who wrote under the name Sophia. But Floresta does have some things in common with Wollstonecraft, especially with regard to women’s rights.
Like Wollstonecraft, Floresta called for women to have the same rights as men. This was part of her commitment to Cartesian dualism: if the soul is totally separate from the body, it has exactly the same capacities whether it's in a man’s or a woman’s body. Since women are just as smart and competent as men, they should have the right to vote, to run for office, to contribute to public debates—and to do that, they need to be educated.
One of Floresta's most interesting thoughts is that education isn’t just a matter of teachers and schools; it also includes the wider culture, and how children are raised at home. When Floresta was writing, Brazil still had slavery, and slave-owning families often had slaves raise their kids. Floresta objected to this: she strongly opposed slavery, and said mothers should raise their own children.
So what about fathers? Given her call for equality among men and women, you might think she would have wanted men to be equal partners in the raising of children. But she didn't call for this. In fact, she believed women should have different roles from men. And she also said women should cultivate "feminine" virtues—a fact that's particularly surprising given her vigorous critique of enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. How did Floresta end up agreeing with Rousseau that there are distinctively "feminine" virtues?
Well, Floresta’s position isn’t exactly the same as Rousseau's. Rousseau had argued that women must be educated to please men: “To be pleasing in his sight, to win his respect and love, to train him in childhood, to tend him in manhood, to counsel and console, to make his life pleasant and happy—these are the duties of woman for all time, and this is what she should be taught while she is young.” Floresta rejected this. Her picture of women's duties focuses not on pleasing men but on the cultivation of virtues like self-sacrifice. According to Floresta, having these special duties is good for women, and makes them morally superior to men.
Maybe that's not as troubling as Rousseau's views, but self-abnegation does seems like a high price to pay for moral superiority. After all, on that logic, the most virtuous people around would be people with no freedom at all. In one of her essays, Floresta speaks movingly about an African man forced into slavery and said he was spiritually superior to his captors. (Floresta was not just an abolitionist but also a big proponent of indigenous rights.) In some ways this is inspiring, but it still leaves us wondering why we can’t have virtue and freedom, both at once. How can we implement all aspects of Floresta's vision, allowing self-abnegation to survive in a world of universal freedom? Our guest, Nastassja Pugliese from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, will surely help us find out.
Comments (16)
MichelleMillner
Thursday, August 29, 2024 -- 9:44 PM
Floresta, while calling forFloresta, while calling for gender equality, believed women should have distinct roles from men and cultivate "feminine" virtues. This divergence from her feminist principles is intriguing, especially considering her critique of Rousseau.
CyberSaber96
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 -- 7:02 AM
Nísia Floresta had someNísia Floresta had some really interesting ideas about women's rights and education! She believed that women should have the same rights as men and that everyone should be educated. Unlike some thinkers who said women should just try to please men, Floresta thought women could be strong and morally good by focusing on virtues like self-sacrifice. However, it makes you wonder if we can be both virtuous and free at the same time. Finding a balance between helping others and having your own independence is important. Floresta's ideas can inspire us to think about how we can be good people while also being free to make our own choices!
jadenlind
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 -- 1:57 AM
This is a fascinatingThis is a fascinating exploration of Nísia Floresta's philosophy and its complex relationship with both Wollstonecraft’s ideas and Rousseau’s views on femininity and virtue. While Floresta advocated for equal rights and education for women, she also saw value in distinctly "feminine" virtues like self-sacrifice, yet not as a means to please men, as Rousseau suggested. This nuanced take raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between freedom and virtue and whether one must come at the expense of the other. It will be interesting to hear insights on reconciling these values in the modern world.
pammelala
Sunday, December 8, 2024 -- 7:04 PM
Nísia Floresta had someNísia Floresta had some really interesting ideas about women's rights and education! She believed that women should have the same rights as men and that everyone should be educated.
bubbas
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 -- 1:19 AM
Women right is must beWomen right is must be compulsory in every country by the help of Nísia Floresta. I am aware about her. Thanks to share this post.
lusianaa
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 -- 5:00 PM
Women's rights must be aWomen's rights must be a priority in every country, as emphasized by Nísia Floresta. Her contributions highlight the importance of advocating for equality and justice. Just like the initiative at Monkey Mart, where community support fosters positive change, we should all strive to uplift women's voices and rights. Thank you for sharing this important message. Monkey Mart
CameronMcLean
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 -- 9:52 PM
Similar to geometry dash, theIn the captivating online racing game drift boss, you can feel the rush of expertly navigating tight turns. All ages, from novices to experienced racers, can enjoy drift boss's easy-to-use interface and straightforward yet captivating gameplay.
free_ai_tools
Saturday, December 14, 2024 -- 10:19 AM
Best Free AI ToolsBest Free AI Tools
Free AI Tools
Latest Merch Deals
Remote Software Jobs
AlecJuvion
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 -- 11:34 PM
Such an enlightening post!Such an enlightening post! For anyone looking for expert help with dissertations, I highly recommend checking out thebest dissertation writing services UK
for professional support and high-quality results.
Donald97
Thursday, December 26, 2024 -- 1:40 AM
This is a fascinatingThis is a fascinating exploration of Nísia Floresta's ideas on women's rights, education, papa's games and virtue, offering valuable insights into her complex views.
gurgaoncallgirl
Friday, January 3, 2025 -- 3:40 AM
Hi friends, if you're tiredHi friends, if you're tired with your everyday routine and live in Gurgaon, I'm Riya Chaudary, a young, attractive call girl. In any part of the National Capital Region (NCR), I am ready for escorting. I'm accessible around-the-clock if you're in Noida, Delhi, or Gurgaon. I'm always available for a meeting. To confirm the booking for a Call Girl in Gurgaon, simply pick up your phone and give me a call or send me a WhatsApp message.
dinlu
Friday, January 3, 2025 -- 3:52 AM
Do you want to use aDo you want to use a reputable directory to find attractive escort and call girls? If the answer is yes, your research is completed. Dinlu, the top directory of call girls and escorts platform where more than 2000 stunning and alluring call girls who will brighten up your nights. To book your ideal call girl and escort girl at a discounted price, check out Dinlu Directory right now.
cebtocallgirl
Friday, January 3, 2025 -- 4:09 AM
Are you looking for gorgeousAre you looking for gorgeous escort and call girls and wish to use an accurate directory? You've found what you were looking for. With over 2000 gorgeous and seductive call girls available, Cebto, the leading directory of escorts and call girls, can make your evenings more enjoyable. Get your dream escort girl and call girl at an affordable price by visiting Cebto Directory now.
donkeychick
Thursday, January 9, 2025 -- 11:05 PM
googlegoogle
--- BBCODE ---
[URL=https://google.com/]google[/URL]
[url=https://google.com/]google[/url]
ableathers
Friday, January 24, 2025 -- 11:59 PM
Nice blog! I really like yourNice blog! I really like your information.
leather trench coat womens
karan115
Monday, February 3, 2025 -- 10:34 PM
GST Litigation ServicesGST Litigation Services assist businesses in resolving disputes and navigating the complexities of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations. These services include representation before tax authorities, handling notices, filing appeals, and resolving disputes related to GST compliance, refunds, and classification issues. Expert GST litigation professionals ensure that businesses remain compliant while effectively addressing legal challenges, minimizing penalties, and protecting their financial interests. With in-depth knowledge of tax laws and strong advocacy skills, they provide strategic solutions to settle disputes efficiently. By leveraging these services, businesses can safeguard their operations and maintain a seamless tax compliance framework.