When was the second Discourse written?
When was the second Discourse written?
1755
Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men (French: Discours sur l’origine et les fondements de l’inégalité parmi les hommes), also commonly known as the “Second Discourse”, is a 1755 work by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
What question is Rousseau trying to answer?
Summary. Rousseau begins by twisting the prize question towards his own particular agenda. The original question concerns what is the nature of inequality among men, and whether it is authorized by the natural law. Rousseau asks another, related question: how can one know inequality without knowing man?
What is natural has to be investigated not in beings that are depraved but in those that are good according to nature?
It is summed up in the quote from Aristotle that Rousseau uses to preface his work: “What is natural has to be investigated not in beings that are depraved, but in those that are good according to nature.” Aristotle’s point is that because what is “natural” is also sets a standard for people to follow, it is vital to …
What is the philosophy of Rousseau?
| Jean-Jacques Rousseau | |
|---|---|
| School | Social contract Romanticism |
| Main interests | Political philosophy, music, education, literature, autobiography |
| Notable ideas | General will, amour de soi, amour-propre, moral simplicity of humanity, child-centered learning, civil religion, popular sovereignty, positive liberty, public opinion |
What is perfectibility Rousseau?
The single characteristic that sets humans apart from other animals is what Rousseau calls “perfectibility.” Man is more malleable than the other animals, possessing the ability to learn and devise better means to satisfy his needs.
Where does inequality come from Rousseau?
Rousseau distinguishes two types of inequality: natural (or physical) and moral. The natural inequality stems from differences in age, health, or other physical characteristics. The moral inequality is established by a convention of men.
What does Rousseau say in Discourse on inequality?
For Rousseau, the worst kind of modern society is that in which money is the only measure of value. Rousseau’s conclusions to the Discourse are clear: inequality is natural only when it relates to physical differences between men.
What is slavery According to Rousseau?
Rousseau extends the definition of slavery into any condition in which the individual is unwillingly subjected to the authority of another individual such as the case between governments and subjects.
What are two qualities of human nature According to Rousseau?
Rousseau defines human beings as distinct from other sentient beings by virtue of two essential characteristics, which are already present in the state of nature: 1) human freedom, and 2) perfectibility.
What is political inequality Rousseau?
Also called political inequality, moral inequality is based upon unnatural foundations. It is created not by Nature but by a convention or agreement between consenting men. Whilst many authors have confused it with the natural state of affairs, Rousseau insists that this type of inequality is a recent creation.
