Respuesta a Sor Filotea de la Cruz
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The Respuesta a sor Filotea de la Cruz (1691; "Reply to Sister Filotea of the Cross") is a significant manifesto written by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. It serves as a passionate defense of women's right to education and knowledge. Sor Juana penned this work in response to criticism from Manuel Fernåndez de Santa Cruz, the bishop of Puebla, who wrote under the pseudonym Sister Filotea.12
In her defense, Sor Juana cited examples of learned women from various historical periods to argue for women's entitlement to private instruction. A famous quote from the Respuesta is, "One can perfectly well philosophize while cooking supper". This work is considered a foundational text in early feminist thought in the Americas.13
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