Rousseau
One of the most profound thinkers of modern history, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) was a central figure of the European Enlightenment. He was also its most formidable critic, condemning the political, economic, theological, and sexual trappings of civilization along lines that would excite the enthusiasm of romantic individualists and radical revolutionaries alike. In this study of Rousseau's life and works, Robert Wolker shows how his philosophy of history, his theories of music and...
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One of the most profound thinkers of modern history, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) was a central figure of the European Enlightenment. He was also its most formidable critic, condemning the political, economic, theological, and sexual trappings of civilization along lines that would excite the enthusiasm of romantic individualists and radical revolutionaries alike. In this compact, thought-provoking study of Rousseau's life and works Robert Wokler shows how his philosophy of history, his theories of music and politics, his fiction, educational and religious writings, and even his botany, were all inspired by visionary ideals of mankind's self-realization in a condition of unfettered freedom. He explains how, in regressing to classical republicanism, ancient mythology, direct communion with God, and solitude, Rousseau anticipated some post-modernist rejections of the Enlightenment as well. No other work on Rousseau provieds such a readable introduction to his life and work.
AcknowledgementsIntroduction. Rousseau: the life and the work1IRousseau's divided thought: the morality of the senses and the morality of duty11IIThe Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men33IIIThe Emile59IVThe Social Contract: principles of right87VThe empire of the laws: the general will and totalitarianism109Appendix IInternal and external sanctions: the voice of conscience and the free-riderä125Appendix IIInterests, free-riders and the general will129Appendix III'Conventions' and 'contracts'130VIThe Social Contract: maxims of politics133VIIAmour-propre162VIIIMen and women180IXLanguage202XReligion and politics221XINegative theology: revealed religion criticized235XIIPositive theology: natural religion defended250AppRousseau and Kant269Concluding reflections271Notes273Bibliography and reference conventions299Index309
