Question

Describe Rush’s argument for why women should receive a comprehensive education. How does he integrate republican ideals into his argument?

Answer 1

Rush was a leader of the American Enlightenment and an enthusiastic supporter of the American Revolution. He was a leader in Pennsylvania's ratification of the Constitution in 1788. He was prominent in many reforms, especially in the areas of medicine and education. He opposed slavery, advocated free public schools and sought improved education for women and a more cultured criminal system.

After the Revolution, Rush proposed a new model of education for women that included English language, vocal music, dance, science, accounting, history and moral philosophy. He contributed decisively to the founding of the Academy of the Ladies of Philadelphia, the first female graduate institution of higher education in Philadelphia. A utilitarian, Rush saw little need for women trained in metaphysics, logic, mathematics, or advanced science. He wanted the emphasis on women directors towards moral essays, poetry, history and religious writings because women were especially necessary and useful in raising morals of America and ways. Rush also promoted what is now called Republican motherhood by instructing young people in the obligations of patriotism, the blessings of freedom and the true meaning of Republicanism. He opposed co-educational classrooms and insisted on the need to instruct all youth in the Christian religion.

Answer 2

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Rush’s argument for why women should receive a comprehensive education was that they deserved the same education opportunities as men. He expressed his opinions on women's education on July 28, 1787, in "Thoughts on Female Education. Accommodation to the Present State of Society, Manners and Government in the United States." His ideas on women matched his republican ideas of US politics and society, with a conservative side on following the established traditions.

Benjamin Rush (1746- 1813) was an American educator and politician that was a founding father and signed the Declaration of Independence. He was the founder of Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, one of the first educational institutions in the United States.