Discourse on the Origin of Inequality by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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Summary

Rousseau argues that inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process. We cannot return to a simpler time, but measuring the costs of progress may help us to imagine alternatives to the corruption and oppressive conformity of modern society.

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Discourse on the Origin of Inequality by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

In his Discourses (1755), Rousseau argues that inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process. If inequality is intolerable - and Rousseau shows with unparalledled eloquence how it robs us not only of our material but also of our psychological independence - then how can we recover the peaceful self-sufficiency of life in the state of nature? We cannot return to a simpler time, but measuring the costs of progress may help us to imagine alternatives to the corruption and oppressive conformity of modern society. Rousseau's sweeping account of humanity's social and political development epitomizes the innovative boldness of the Englightment, and it is one of the most provocative and influential works of the eighteenth century. This new translation includes all Rousseau's own notes, and Patrick Coleman's introduction builds on recent key scholarship, considering particularly the relationship between political and aesthetic thought.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780192839817
ISBN 10 0192839810
Title Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
Author Jean Jacques Rousseau
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Oxford University Press
Year published 2000-01-01
Number of pages 176
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.