Mary Astell used Descartes’ argument to argue in favor of women’s equality. Astell used Descartes’ argument about the separation of the “mind” and the “body” to argue that sexual gender cannot determine one’s capability to reason. Rather, her philosophy claims that both men and women possess understanding and will. Astell argues that humans must use their understanding and will in order to reach God’s will, the ultimate truth. Similar to Descartes, Astell believes that God is a perfect and infinite being whereas humans are finite. Although Astell argues that the mind is a limited entity, she concludes that everyone can reach the truth through knowledge. Astell specifically advocates that women have a duty to themselves and to God to further
