Conclusion: Condorcet's Logical Defense of Women's Rights
In the conclusion of "Sur l'admission des femmes au droit de cité analyse lineaire", Condorcet reinforces his argument for gender equality through a combination of observational logic and rhetorical strategy.
Highlight: Condorcet's argumentation is grounded in observation: men and women naturally share all qualities in common, therefore they should be equal in rights.
Condorcet employs a clever rhetorical technique to strengthen his position:
Example: He pretends to adopt the viewpoints of his adversaries, only to better overturn them. By reporting their arguments, he highlights their absurdity, demonstrating that neither sex is naturally superior to the other.
The text emphasizes historical evidence to support women's capabilities:
Quote: "PLUSIEURS FEMMES ONT SU PROLIVER LEUR ÉMINENTE PLACE POLITIQUE."
This statement underscores that numerous women have proven their eminent place in politics, challenging the notion that women are unfit for political participation.
The conclusion also mentions Olympe de Gouges, who, inspired by Condorcet's ideas, wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen (DDFC) in 1791, further advancing the cause of gender equality.
Definition: DDFC (Déclaration des Droits de la Femme et de la Citoyenne) was a pivotal document in the history of feminism, demanding equal rights for women and men.
Condorcet's "Condorcet rapport sur l'instruction publique" and his work on women's rights laid important groundwork for future feminist movements, demonstrating the power of logical argumentation and historical evidence in challenging societal prejudices.