Discourse on the Sciences and Arts


Book Description

Rousseau attacks the social and political effects of the dominant forms of scientific knowledge. Contains the entire First Discourse, contemporary attacks on it, Rousseau's replies to his critics, and his summary of the debate in his preface to Narcissus. A number of these texts have never before been available in English. The First Discourse and Polemics demonstrate the continued relevance of Rousseau's thought. Whereas his critics argue for correction of the excesses and corruptions of knowledge and the sciences as sufficient, Rousseau attacks the social and political effects of the dominant forms of scientific knowledge.




Discourse on the Arts and Sciences


Book Description

Censored in its own time, the Social Contract (1762) remains a key source of democratic belief and is one of the classics of political theory. It argues concisely but eloquently, that the basis of any legitimate society must be the agreement of its members. As humans we were 'born free' and our subjection to government must be freely accepted. Rousseau is essentially a radical thinker, and in a broad sense a revolutionary. He insisted on the sovereignty of the people, and made some provocative statements that are still highly controversial. His greatest contribution to political thought is the concept of the general will, which unites individuals through their common self-interest, thus validating the society in which they live and the constraints it imposes on them. This new translation is fully annotated and indexed. The volume also contains the opening chapter of the manuscript version of the Contract, together with the long article on Political Economy, a work traditionally between the Contract and Rousseau's earlier masterpiece, the Discourse on Inequality.




A Discourse on Inequality


Book Description

A fascinating examination of the relationship between civilization and inequality from one of history’s greatest minds The first man to erect a fence around a piece of land and declare it his own founded civil society—and doomed mankind to millennia of war and famine. The dawn of modern civilization, argues Jean-Jacques Rousseau in this essential treatise on human nature, was also the beginning of inequality. One of the great thinkers of the Enlightenment, Rousseau based his work in compassion for his fellow man. The great crime of despotism, he believed, was the raising of the cruel above the weak. In this landmark text, he spells out the antidote for man’s ills: a compassionate revolution to pull up the fences and restore the balance of mankind. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.




Letter to Beaumont, Letters Written from the Mountain, and Related Writings


Book Description

Published between 1762 and 1765, these writings are the last works Rousseau wrote for publication during his lifetime. Responding in each to the censorship and burning of Emile and Social Contract, Rousseau airs his views on censorship, religion, and the relation between theory and practice in politics. The Letter to Beaumont is a response to a Pastoral Letter by Christophe de Beaumont, Archbishop of Paris (also included in this volume), which attacks the religious teaching in Emile. Rousseau's response concerns the general theme of the relation between reason and revelation and contains his most explicit and boldest discussions of the Christian doctrines of creation, miracles, and original sin. In Letters Written from the Mountain, a response to the political crisis in Rousseau's homeland of Geneva caused by a dispute over the burning of his works, Rousseau extends his discussion of Christianity and shows how the political principles of the Social Contract can be applied to a concrete constitutional crisis. One of his most important statements on the relation between political philosophy and political practice, it is accompanied by a fragmentary "History of the Government of Geneva." Finally, "Vision of Peter of the Mountain, Called the Seer" is a humorous response to a resident of Motiers who had been inciting attacks on Rousseau during his exile there. Taking the form of a scriptural account of a vision, it is one of the rare examples of satire from Rousseau's pen and the only work he published anonymously after his decision in the early 1750s to put his name on all his published works. Within its satirical form, the "Vision" contains Rousseau's last public reflections on religious issues. Neither the Letter to Beaumont nor the Letters Written from the Mountain has been translated into English since defective translations that appeared shortly after their appearance in French. These are the first translations of both the "History" and the "Vision."




Rousseau and Revolution


Book Description

The political philosophy of the 18th century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau has long been associated with the dramatic events of the French Revolution. In this book, an international team of scholars has been brought together to examine the connection between Rousseau's thought and the revolutionary traditions of modern Europe. The book explores Rousseau's own conceptions of violence and revolution in contrast to those of other thinkers such as Hegel and Fanon and in connection with his ideas on democracy. Historical analyses also consider Rousseau's thinking in light of the French Revolution in particular and the European revolutions that have followed it. Across the eleven chapters the book also touches on such issues as citizenship, activism, terrorism and the State. In doing so, the book reveals Rousseau to be an important source of insight into contemporary political problems.




Emile


Book Description

Welcome to the transformative world of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Emile, a groundbreaking treatise on education and human development that has influenced generations. This philosophical masterpiece invites readers to embark on a journey through the eyes of a young boy, Emile, as he navigates the complexities of life, learning, and the pursuit of virtue in a society fraught with challenges. As you delve into the narrative, you will accompany Emile through various stages of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, witnessing his development into a morally grounded and autonomous individual. Rousseau’s insights into the nature of education emphasize the importance of nurturing a child's innate curiosity and allowing them to learn through experience rather than rote memorization. The central themes of Emile revolve around the concepts of natural education, individuality, and the social contract. Rousseau advocates for an educational system that respects the child's natural instincts and fosters a sense of freedom and self-discovery. His philosophy challenges traditional notions of education, urging readers to consider the balance between society's demands and the individual's rights. The tone of the book is both earnest and reflective, encouraging deep contemplation about the nature of education and the cultivation of virtue. Rousseau's eloquent prose and compelling arguments create an engaging experience that resonates with readers, prompting them to reflect on their own educational philosophies and practices. Since its publication in 1762, Emile has received widespread acclaim for its innovative ideas and profound impact on educational theory. Its enduring relevance is evident in modern discussions about child development, education reform, and the importance of fostering individuality in learning environments. This seminal work appeals to a broad audience, from educators and parents to philosophers and anyone interested in the intricacies of human development. Rousseau's exploration of education as a tool for moral and intellectual growth makes Emile an essential read for those seeking to understand the foundations of modern pedagogy. As you engage with Emile, you will find yourself inspired by Rousseau's vision of a more compassionate and individualized approach to education. His emphasis on the importance of nurturing the child's spirit and intellect resonates deeply, making this work a timeless guide for educators and parents alike. In conclusion, Emile is not merely a book on education; it is a profound exploration of humanity and the journey toward self-discovery that continues to captivate readers with its insights and wisdom. Whether you are revisiting this classic or encountering it for the first time, prepare to be enlightened by Rousseau's transformative ideas. Don’t miss your opportunity to engage with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Emile. Discover the revolutionary ideas that have shaped educational thought and inspired countless individuals to embrace the journey of learning—grab your copy now and explore the depths of human potential!







The Reveries of the Solitary Walker


Book Description

An exploration of the soul in the form of a final meditation on self-understanding and isolation.




Jean-Jacques Rousseau


Book Description

Reconstructs the life of the French literary genius whose writing changed opinions and fueled fierce debate on both sides of the Atlantic during the period of the American and French revolutions.




The Legacy of Rousseau


Book Description

Few thinkers have enjoyed so pervasive an influence as Rousseau, who originated dissatisfaction with modernity. By exploring polarities articulated by Rousseau—nature versus society, self versus other, community versus individual, and compassion versus competitiveness—these fourteen original essays show how his thought continues to shape our ways of talking, feeling, thinking, and complaining. The volume begins by taking up a central theme noted by the late Allan Bloom—Rousseau's critique of the bourgeois as the dominant modern human type and as a being fundamentally in contradiction, caught between the sentiments of nature and the demands of society. It then turns to Rousseau's crucial polarity of nature and society and to the later conceptions of history and culture it gave rise to. The third part surveys Rousseau's legacy in both domestic and international politics. Finally, the book examines Rousseau's contributions to the virtues that have become central to the current sensibility: community, sincerity, and compassion. Contributors include Allan Bloom, François Furet, Pierre Hassner, Christopher Kelly, Roger Masters, and Arthur Melzer.