Discourse On The Origin Of Inequality
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A Discourse on Inequality
In A Discourse on Inequality, Rousseau sets out to demonstrate how the growth of civilization corrupts man’s natural happiness and freedom by creating artificial inequalities of wealth, power and social privilege. Contending that primitive man was equal to his fellows, Rousseau believed that as societies become more sophisticated, the strongest and most intelligent members of the community gain an unnatural advantage over their weaker brethren, and that constitutions set up to rectify these imbalances through peace and justice in fact do nothing but perpetuate them. Rousseau’s political and social arguments in the Discourse were a hugely influential denunciation of the social conditions of his time and one of the most revolutionary documents of the eighteenth-century. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
Rousseau first exposes in Discourse on the Origin of Inequality his conception of a human state of nature, presented as a philosophical fiction and of human perfectibility, an early idea of progress. He then explains the way, according to him, people may have established civil society, which leads him to present private property as the original source and basis of all inequality. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century, mainly active in France. His political philosophy influenced the Enlightenment across Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolution and the overall development of modern political and educational thought.
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
In "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality," Jean-Jacques Rousseau presents a profound philosophical examination of the social constructs that give rise to inequality among men. Written in 1755, the work adopts a strikingly eloquent and often provocative style, blending historical analysis with a speculative account of human development. Rousseau delineates two forms of inequality: natural and moral, critiquing the ways in which societal structures distort human equality and freedoms. His inquiry situates itself within the broader intellectual currents of the Enlightenment, contrasting starkly with the prevailing notions of progress and civilization that justified social hierarchies. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a pivotal figure in Enlightenment thought, drew from his own experiences of social alienation and his belief in the inherent goodness of man to write this influential text. His formative years in Geneva, coupled with his passion for music, education, and political philosophy, fueled a desire to question the status quo and grapple with the moral implications of contemporary society. These influences culminate in a work that challenges readers to reconsider the moral foundation of their political structures and societal norms. "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality" is essential reading for anyone interested in political philosophy, social justice, or the foundational principles of modern democratic thought. Rousseau's ability to articulate the paradoxes of human society invites deep reflection and critical engagement, making this discourse not only historically significant but also strikingly relevant in contemporary discussions about inequality.