Here's a breakdown:
* Against Enlightenment Philosophers: Wollstonecraft challenged the Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, who advocated for women's education but primarily focused on their role as wives and mothers. She argued that women should have access to the same education and opportunities as men to develop their intellectual and rational capacities.
* Against the "Cult of Sensibility": Wollstonecraft criticized the Romantic movement and its emphasis on emotionalism and irrationality, particularly as it was applied to women. She saw this "cult of sensibility" as a way to keep women weak and dependent.
* Against Edmund Burke: In her most famous work, "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman", she directly challenged the conservative political philosopher Edmund Burke who argued for traditional social hierarchies and defended the existing order. Wollstonecraft saw this as a system that oppressed women and limited their potential.
In essence, Wollstonecraft was a fierce advocate for women's equality and independence, and her writings were a direct challenge to the intellectual and social frameworks that sought to maintain the subjugation of women. She argued for women's right to education, employment, and political participation, advocating for a more just and equitable society.
It's important to note that Wollstonecraft's work was groundbreaking in its time and was met with considerable criticism and opposition. However, her ideas helped pave the way for later feminist movements and continue to inspire thinkers today.