De La Barre: The Difference Between The Sexes

In the backdrop of the dominant Cathothic doctrine that dictates how God ordained women to be physically and mentally inferior, a new wind of Enlightenment rationalist thought is emerging with Rene´ Descartes’ et al. In lieu of these developments de la Barre makes a bold claim: mental equality of the sexes. Autobiographical landmarks that Freedman (the editor of the book) discloses are how de la Barre became disenchanted with Catholicism while studying for the priesthood, then relocated to Geneva to convert to Calvinism, marry, and raise a family. Sharply criticized throughout his lifetime, de la Barre’s ideas were revived in the 20th century by biologist Simone de Beauvoir.

Based on reason and observation, the difference between the sexes