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The Discourses & Other Early Political Writings

jean-jacques rousseau victor gourevitch

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The work of Jean-Jacques Rousseau is presented in two volumes, which together form the most comprehensive anthology of Rousseau's political writings in English. Volume I contains the earlier writings such as the First and Second Discourses. The American and French Revolutions were profoundly affected by Rousseau's writing, thus illustrating the scope of his influence. Volume II contains the later writings such as the Social Contract. The Social Contract was publicly condemned on publication causing Rousseau to flee. In exile he wrote both autobiographical and political works. These volumes contain comprehensive introductions, chronologies, and guides to further reading, and will enable students to fully understand the writings of one of the world's greatest thinkers.

485 pages, Paperback

First published July 13,1997

This edition

Format
485 pages, Paperback
Published
July 13, 1997 by Cambridge University Press
ISBN
9780521424455
ASIN
0521424453
Language
English

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About the author

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jean-jacques rousseau

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Genevan philosopher and writer Jean Jacques Rousseau held that society usually corrupts the essentially good individual; his works include The Social Contract and Émile (both 1762).

This important figure in the history contributed to political and moral psychology and influenced later thinkers. Own firmly negative view saw the post-hoc rationalizers of self-interest, apologists for various forms of tyranny, as playing a role in the modern alienation from natural impulse of humanity to compassion. The concern to find a way of preserving human freedom in a world of increasingly dependence for the satisfaction of their needs dominates work. This concerns a material dimension and a more important psychological dimensions. Rousseau a fact that in the modern world, humans come to derive their very sense of self from the opinions as corrosive of freedom and destructive of authenticity. In maturity, he principally explores the first political route, aimed at constructing institutions that allow for the co-existence of equal sovereign citizens in a community; the second route to achieving and protecting freedom, a project for child development and education, fosters autonomy and avoids the development of the most destructive forms of self-interest. Rousseau thinks or the possible co-existence of humans in relations of equality and freedom despite his consistent and overwhelming pessimism that humanity will escape from a dystopia of alienation, oppression, and unfreedom. In addition to contributions, Rousseau acted as a composer, a music theorist, the pioneer of modern autobiography, a novelist, and a botanist. Appreciation of the wonders of nature and his stress on the importance of emotion made Rousseau an influence on and anticipator of the romantic movement. To a very large extent, the interests and concerns that mark his work also inform these other activities, and contributions of Rousseau in ostensibly other fields often serve to illuminate his commitments and arguments.

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 16 votes)
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AshHaloMaiden
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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General will still seems very hand-wavy. It is often a concept that is difficult to define precisely.

On one hand, it is supposed to represent the common good or the will of the people as a whole. But in practice, it can be easily misinterpreted or manipulated.

The tyranny of the majority is a related concern. When the will of the majority prevails, it may suppress the rights and interests of the minority.

This can lead to unjust situations where the voices of the few are drowned out.

It is crucial to find a balance between the general will and the protection of individual rights.

We need to ensure that the decision-making process is democratic and inclusive, taking into account the diverse perspectives and interests of all members of society.

Only in this way can we hope to achieve a more just and harmonious social order.
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saruancia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Superb!

This word truly encapsulates excellence and superiority. When something is described as superb, it implies that it is of the highest quality, outstanding in every aspect.

For example, a superb performance by an athlete leaves the audience in awe. Their skills, precision, and determination are on full display, making it a memorable and remarkable event.

Similarly, a superb piece of art can capture the essence of a moment or an emotion with such vividness and detail that it takes the viewer's breath away.

In the world of cuisine, a superb meal is a symphony of flavors, textures, and presentations. Each dish is carefully crafted to perfection, delighting the taste buds and leaving a lasting impression.

Superb can also describe a person's character or qualities. A person with a superb work ethic is dedicated, reliable, and always strives for the best. Their positive attitude and perseverance make them an asset in any situation.

In conclusion, the word superb is a powerful and descriptive term that represents the very best. It is used to describe things, people, and experiences that are truly exceptional and worthy of admiration.
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SpinachGreen
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Will definitely be reading this again outside of a class context.


Rousseau's idea that inequality stems from the fact that we are too far removed from our primitive state is truly radical. Thanks to the luxuries and conveniences that progress has bestowed upon us, along with a shift in focus on the talents and traits of others rather than ourselves and our own basic necessities. This perspective challenges our modern way of thinking and forces us to reevaluate the consequences of our pursuit of progress.


It makes us wonder if our detachment from our primitive roots has led to a society where inequality prevails. While Rousseau's ideas may seem extreme, they do offer valuable insights into the human condition. I suppose that's what he's known for! It's definitely something I'd like to respond to when I have more time to look into these arguments without the constraints of a reading schedule. I'm eager to explore further and gain a deeper understanding of Rousseau's thoughts on inequality and its origins.

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Debesuotas
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July 15,2025
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It has been a few years since I last read Rousseau. Through my further reading and musing about politics, I've come to appreciate his work a lot more.

Rousseau's writings center around the question of the "possible" in political affairs. Looking at his surroundings and intellectual climate, he confronted the issue: what is the foundation of the corruption of people and societies? At that time, prominent voices posited that people are by nature prideful, churlish, greedy, and selfish. They argued that without the state, people would live in a state of unending conflict over power and protection. From this logic, it is natural to legitimize government based on these negative characteristics. Hobbes' argument, though there is more to it, is that the only common interest of such imperfect creatures is self-preservation. Rousseau situates his response within this context.

Rousseau agrees with Hobbes' assessment of people's character but believes these flaws are due to society's influences. His first two dialogues demonstrate how the arts, sciences, and society corrupt people's moral character. The second dialogue is the most interesting, introducing two key concepts: Amour Propre and Amour de soi-meme. Rousseau often faces criticism for the historical inaccuracy of his State of Nature, but he himself states that we should "begin by dispensing with the facts" and use "hypothetical and conditional reasons" to illuminate the nature of things. The state of nature he describes is used to demonstrate his ideas, not as an anthropological account.

Rousseau was influenced by the classical conception of government in Aristotle, distinguishing between perfect and degraded forms based on whether the government rules in the interests of all or its own self-interest. This leads to his attack on Hobbes: if government is founded only on self-interest, is it not corrupted from the start? This consideration is particularly interesting when thinking of modern political economy and neoliberal ideology. The motivation to found government on the interest of all and minimize self-interest plays a role in his later writings. This is what I mean by the question of the "possible" in politics: if we accept Hobbes' narrow account, there is little possibility in politics; but if we understand that these defects are not intrinsic to our nature, perhaps a brighter future can be achieved. Even though Rousseau notes that the corruption of our character cannot be completely undone, it still leaves more options than the pessimists of human nature.
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Aaronier0O
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have only read both parts of the Discourse on the Origin of Inequality.

This person is such a foolish one that it's crazy. It's like the typical "the grass is always greener on the other side" kind of thing. For example, yes, man, those pointless email jobs really suck. But do you know what sucks even more? Dying in childbirth. Just get over yourself already.

We should really put things into perspective and stop complaining about relatively minor issues when there are much more serious and life-threatening situations out there. Instead of constantly longing for something else, we should focus on being grateful for what we have and try to make the best of our current circumstances.

Maybe if this person took a moment to think about the real hardships that others face, they would realize how lucky they actually are and stop being so overly critical and dissatisfied with their own lives.
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Nanalogy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Honestly, I found the discourses (specifically the second) much better than the social contract.

The discourses offer a more in-depth and comprehensive exploration of various ideas and concepts. They delve into the nature of human society, the role of individuals, and the principles that govern our interactions.

Unlike the social contract, which may sometimes seem rather one-sided or limited in its scope, the discourses present a more nuanced and multifaceted view. They consider different perspectives and offer a more detailed analysis of the complex issues at hand.

Moreover, the discourses often engage with real-world examples and historical contexts, making the ideas more relatable and applicable. This practical approach helps to bring the theories to life and makes them more accessible to a wider audience.

In conclusion, while the social contract has its merits, I believe that the discourses offer a more profound and valuable contribution to our understanding of society and human nature.
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bonitoluv
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I think theoretically, the Second Discourse is more important than The Social Contract.

The Second Discourse delves deeper into the fundamental nature of human beings and society. It explores the origin and development of inequality, shedding light on the complex web of social relationships and power dynamics.

By contrast, The Social Contract focuses more on the establishment of a just and legitimate political order. While this is无疑 an important aspect, it does not address the root causes of social problems as comprehensively as the Second Discourse.

The Second Discourse challenges our assumptions about human nature and society, forcing us to reevaluate our values and beliefs. It provides a more critical and incisive analysis of the human condition, making it a crucial work for understanding the social and political world we live in today.

In conclusion, although both the Second Discourse and The Social Contract are important works, the Second Discourse holds a special significance due to its in-depth exploration of the nature of inequality and its implications for society.
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sfasze
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It is truly a travesty to attempt to read The Social Contract without first having read the Second Discourse.

The Second Discourse provides a crucial foundation and context that is essential for a proper understanding of The Social Contract.

Without this prior knowledge, one may miss out on key concepts, ideas, and the overall philosophical framework that Rousseau was building.

It is imperative that this oversight be corrected immediately.

By reading the Second Discourse first, readers will be better equipped to engage with and appreciate the depth and significance of The Social Contract.

This will allow for a more comprehensive and meaningful exploration of Rousseau's political philosophy.

So, do not delay. Take the time to read the Second Discourse and then approach The Social Contract with a newfound understanding and perspective.

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