Review: Equality

This is an argument evaluation exercise — we need to match statements to a core principle.

Here are four arguments used to support women's right to vote: (a) Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote. (b) Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore they also should have a say in choosing the rulers. (c) Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family. (d) Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long by denying them the right to vote.

Our overall question is: Which of these arguments are actually consistent with the core ideal of equality we studied, and why?

Let's handle one at a time. Look closely at argument (a) first — what is the specific reason it gives for granting women the right to vote, and does that justification rely on universal human worth or a specific social role?