is present in everyone. Because women are prevented from realizing virtue, their immortal souls are enslaved. The loss and repression of women's virtue and morality results from their inability to think independently because of a lack of education caused by men's desire to keep women as simple, sexual beings. This inequality must be undone if women are to live as virtuous and moral human beings as nature and Providence destined them to. Men see an advantage in having women live in a state of repression because they are able to control women while having them serve as domestic slaves. But Wolstonecraft makes the case that society as a whole would benefit from the equal treatment of men and women. In their position as domestic caregivers, women are responsible for caring for children. If a woman were more virtuous and moral, she would serve as a better example for her children then if she were an ignorant slave. A cycle would begin where a moral mother through example would teach her children to live morally as well. This would have a significant and positive effect on society. Wollstonecraft also makes the logical point that society would be better if everyone was moral. As long as women are denied virtue, only half of the population can live a moral life. Logically, allowing women to achieve virtue would benefit society because the entire population would live under the same standard of morality. Although it might be convenient for a man to marry a women who accepts her ignorance and serves him faithfully, it would be more beneficial for a wife to be able to think independently and live morally. In the current situation, the man is the only option for earning income when a women is equally capable of earning income. Also, Wollstonecraft broadens the appeal of her argument because she effectively argues that it is a women's God-given right to live virtuously and morally. Wollstonecraft reverts to logical questions and ideas to illustrate...
