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Politics and the Arts: Letter to M. D'Alembert on the Theatre

jean-jacques rousseau allan bloom

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This excellent translation makes available a classic work central to one of the most interesting controversies of the eighteenth the quarrel between Rousseau and Voltaire. Besides containing some of the most sensitive literary criticism ever written (especially of Molière), the book is an excellent introduction to the principles of classical political thought. It demonstrates the paradoxes of Rousseau's thought and clearly displays the temperament that led him to repudiate the hopes of the Enlightenment.

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1960

This edition

Format
196 pages, Paperback
Published
October 31, 1968 by Cornell University Press
ISBN
9780801490712
ASIN
0801490715
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(3.9 / 5.0, 16 votes)
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Pumpkinification
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Read for HUMS3000 at Carleton University.

This is a very interesting and unusual read. The text was intended to counterbalance some of the other authors from the Enlightenment that we are studying. Rousseau was unique among his contemporaries as he believed that progress wasn't necessarily a good thing. I found this text extremely interesting. Although I disagree with him on many points, especially his extensive discussion on women's roles in society, I also recognize that he has some nuggets of wisdom and ideas that I can observe in real life. One quote that really stood out to me was:

"Never in a monarchy can the opulence of an individual put him above the prince; but, in a republic, it can easily put him above the laws. Then the government no longer has force, and the rich are always the true sovereign."

I think many of us in the 21st century can relate to this. In today's society, we are so quick to label someone as right or wrong. It is refreshing to examine someone's thoughts as a whole and admit that some aspects are good while others are bad. This kind of analysis helps us to have a more nuanced understanding of different perspectives and ideas.
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bambi_zoldyck
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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DNF (Did Not Finish)

I attempted to engage with this particular experience, but unfortunately, I had to give up. The pacing was truly insufferable. It felt as if time was dragging on and on, making it extremely difficult to stay engaged.

However, to be fair, the content did have its moments. At times, it was manageable and even enjoyable. There were certain aspects that held my interest and made me think that perhaps it would improve.

But alas, it soon became repetitive and drawn-out. The same ideas and patterns kept recurring, and it lost its新鲜感 and excitement. In the end, I simply couldn't continue.

Overall, it was a disappointing experience, with the pacing being the main culprit. I hope that in the future, more attention is paid to this crucial aspect to ensure a more engaging and satisfying experience for the audience.
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Mai21
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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**ROUSSEAU’S ARGUMENT AGAINST THE THEATER**

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century, is renowned for his works like 'The Social Contract,' 'The Confessions,' 'The Creed of a Priest of Savoy,' and 'Emile: Or On Education.'

In 1758, Rousseau wrote a letter to d’Alembert in response to an article by the latter in the Encyclopedia suggesting that Geneva should have a theater. Surprisingly, despite being a composer himself (e.g., 'Le Devin du Village'), Rousseau opposed the idea. His letter not only presents his stance on the theater but also offers insights into various other issues.

Rousseau believed that the theater had no real positive moral effect. He argued that it could not improve morals but rather change them in a negative way. By encouraging all our inclinations, it gave more power to those that already dominated us. The continuous emotion felt in the theater excited, enervated, and weakened us, making it harder to resist our passions. The interest in virtue shown in the theater was often just a way to satisfy our vanity without actually obliging us to practice it.
He also considered the impact of the theater on the poor. He pointed out that those who established the theater tempted the poor to go, and their poverty made some relaxation necessary for them. However, this very amusement could either increase their expenses or make them less zealous for work, thus doubly weakening them.
Overall, Rousseau’s letter is a fascinating work that addresses issues that are still relevant in today’s debates about contemporary culture.

It shows his deep思考 on the nature of morality, the role of art, and the impact of social institutions on individuals.

His arguments, though perhaps controversial, offer valuable food for thought and continue to be studied and discussed by scholars and thinkers alike.
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Umasou_007
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have a particular interest in the part where Rousseau scandalously endorses dancing by unmarried youngsters. This endorsement occurs under strict, collective surveillance. It's quite a remarkable stance. I mean, he's clearly not your typical Puritan who would frown upon such activities.

Moreover, the part where he reinforces creepy gender roles is equally fascinating. To support his views, he offers as evidence his current vantage of pigeons mating. It's an unusual and somewhat unexpected example.

Overall, these aspects of Rousseau's ideas add an interesting layer to his philosophical musings. They make us question our own assumptions about social norms and gender roles. It also shows the complexity and sometimes eccentricity of his thinking.

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CafeManager
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Nobody knows the trouble Rousseau’s seen.

As much as I treasure and esteem the systematic work of Hegel and Kant, neither of them have the passion that Rousseau evinces upon this or that page. His insights are so profound. One of my mentors would say of Kant that he had no idea how far his investigations would take him. I think of Rousseau it can be said that his insights were so profound that he could not hold to them. He had to betray his own realizations.

Here is a book about the theatre, ostensibly, but what it really addresses is the power and danger of mass culture. It foresees television and film long before the inventions making them possible had been conceived. Right now my favorite section is the seventh part, in which among other things Rousseau states the dangers of populism.

Yet his comments on the power of the imagination are also telling. He emphasizes how the imagination can shape our perceptions and desires, and how it can be harnessed or misused in the context of mass culture. Rousseau's ideas are still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the impact of media and technology on our lives. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection in an age of mass communication.
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SimpleHufflepuff
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Can we critique the theater without being crazy sexist? Maybe?


In the world of theater, criticism plays a crucial role in its development and evolution. However, it is often disheartening to note that some critiques tend to be marred by sexist undertones. This begs the question: is it possible to offer valid and objective critiques without resorting to such discriminatory behavior?


The answer might lie in the hands of the critics themselves. By being more self-aware of their biases and making a conscious effort to set them aside, they can approach their reviews with a more open and fair-minded perspective. Additionally, theaters and the industry as a whole can also play a part in promoting a more inclusive and non-sexist environment. This could involve initiatives such as providing training on unconscious bias for critics and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the field.


Ultimately, while it may not be easy to completely eliminate sexism from theater critiques, it is possible to make significant progress towards a more equitable and respectful approach. By working together, we can create a theater landscape that is not only rich in artistic expression but also free from the shackles of discrimination.
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CrappyRel
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Rousseau's Justification of Censorship

Rousseau presented his justification of censorship, where he reviewed most of the standard arguments.

He believed that uncensored material could undermine the morals of citizens, especially women and minors.

For Rousseau, the main target to be censored was theatrical performance rather than political writing.

Nevertheless, the basic premise remained the same: we need to be protected from ourselves.

He argued that without censorship, the unrestricted dissemination of certain content could have a negative impact on the moral fabric of society.

Theatrical performances, in his view, had the potential to corrupt the minds and values of the people.

By censoring such performances, he aimed to safeguard the moral well-being of the citizens and maintain the social order.

Although his focus was more on theatrical works, the underlying principle of protecting society from the harmful effects of certain materials was applicable across the board.

Rousseau's ideas on censorship continue to be a subject of debate and discussion in the field of philosophy and social theory.
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ocofran
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Rousseau is a complex figure who can be seen as both an Enlightenment and anti-Enlightenment thinker. As a proponent of the Enlightenment, he believed in the power of reason and the ability of individuals to improve themselves and society. He argued that people are born free and equal, and that society should be organized in a way that respects these natural rights.


However, Rousseau was also a critic of some aspects of the Enlightenment. He believed that the pursuit of reason and progress had led to the alienation of individuals from themselves and from nature. He argued that modern society was too focused on material wealth and social status, and that this had led to a loss of moral values and a sense of community.


Rousseau's ideas had a significant impact on both the Enlightenment and subsequent intellectual movements. His emphasis on the importance of individual freedom and natural rights influenced the development of democratic theory, while his critique of modern society and its values inspired Romanticism and other anti-Enlightenment movements.

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