Rousseau: Philosophy & Political Theory PDF

Rousseau Jean Jacques Swiss philosopher (1712 –1778)  Most famous figures of French Enlightenment Philosopher Author Composer of music Contributed greatly to the artistic awakening in France  His famous QUOTES: “The only quality th...

Rousseau Jean Jacques Swiss philosopher (1712 –1778)  Most famous figures of French Enlightenment Philosopher Author Composer of music Contributed greatly to the artistic awakening in France  His famous QUOTES: “The only quality that distinguish man from other animals is: Man’s ability to CHOOSE  “There is no right on earth Above Man’s natural rights: Life, Equality & Freedom Gods or kings or other men Cannot take this away from him”  Major Political Writings of Rousseau: 1. “Discourses on Inequality” 2. “Social Contract” Elaborates his perceptions about STATE OF NATURE vs. SOCIETY Civilization CORRUPTS human morality MAN in the State of Nature is GOOD  Discourse on Inequality “The first man who fenced a piece of land and said: THIS IS MINE Found people naïve enough to believe him That man was the TRUE founder of CIVIL SOCIETY”  “Mankind could have been saved If someone had cried out: Beware of listening to this impostor You are lost if you once forget The fruits of the earth belong to ALL, The earth itself to NOBODY” What is Rousseau trying to say? When man claimed land or any property as his own It marked the BEGINNING of evil Why ?  It means man: ▪ Established Ownership ▪ Created Master Slave relationship ▪ Created of families ▪ Cultivated Jealousy, greed and hostility to protect his property Result: Natural man is no longer alone Man lost his freedom Civil society corrupts by creating inequality Social & Financial Inequality resulted in: Moral confusion and Social conflict Going back to state of nature Is neither feasible nor possible Because Change is Inevitable  This created a Dilemma How can man regain Equality & Freedom lost in the Civil Society? How does Rousseau attempt to address this dilemma? In civil state man is forced to act on different principles because: 1st: Reason replaces: Emotions 2nd: Duty replaces: Instincts i.e. in private life man can do as you pleases. In civil society man has to behave as a citizen, observe laws of that society  Rousseau & God Different perception from all other Philosophes God is the God of LOVE NOT the God of Reason “I perceive God everywhere in His works” “I sense Him in me; see Him around me”  Church and clergy are: Neither necessary nor guarantee: Happiness Everything is good as it comes from the hands of the Creator It degenerates once it gets into the hands of man  Rousseau Title page of the first edition & Political theory  The Social Contract Principles of Political Right One of the most influential works of Political Philosophy  Social Contract An INTELLECTUAL device A pledge or agreement Among citizens themselves About the form of government they all accept  Rousseau believes the Social Contract is the ONLY process to establish: ▪ The optimum political community ▪ Regulates relationship between: Individuals themselves Individuals and their governments  Social Contract Next Story Way more complicated