Jean Jacques Rousseau Fundamental Political Writings

This classroom edition includes On the Social Contract, the Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts, the Discourse on the Origins of Inequality, and the Preface to Narcissus. Each text has been newly translated and includes a full complement of explanatory notes. The editors’ introduction offers students diverse points of entry into some of the distinctive possibilities and challenges of each of these fundamental texts, as well as an introduction to Rousseau’s life and historical situation. The volume also includes annotated appendices that help students to explore the origins and influences of Rousseau’s work, including excerpts from Hobbes, Pascal, Descartes, Mandeville, Diderot, Voltaire, Madame de Staël, Benjamin Constant, Joseph de Maistre, Kant, Hegel, and Engels.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an 18th century Genevan philosopher and writer. His Basic Political Writings which contain his political philosophy, influenced the Enlightenment in France and across Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolution and the overall development of modern political and educational thought. This edition of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Basic Political Writings contains Rousseau's most important political writings such as A Discourse on Inequality in which Rousseau discusses two types of inequality: natural, or physical inequality, and ethical, or moral inequality. This edition also contains Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract and A Discource on Political Economy. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Basic Political Writings is often required textbook reading in the following disciplines: politics & social sciences, philosophy, humanities, and history.

While some modern lovers of philosophy, literature, and politics might not agree with his views, Jean-Jacques Rousseau was undoubtedly one of the most influential thinkers in Western civilization. Rousseau was certainly controversial during his time, as his writings were revolutionary for contemporary audiences. "Basic Political Writings" contains four essential political works written by Rousseau: "Discourse on the Science and the Arts," "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality," "Discourse on Political Economy," and "On the Social Contract." In these works, he lays out the basic foundation of society and how it has evolved since the origins of man. Then, he describes how society is pulling mankind away from the laws of nature. Foundational to his point of view is Rousseau's argument that there are no true personal possessions in nature, only the community. He writes that it was the rise of personal possessions that allowed certain people to make powerful gains, and they were the ones who controlled the political spectrum. However, Rousseau offers hope by explaining that men can change their government; they do not have to be chained by their possessions or other symbolic constraints. The author's concept of the general will is astounding, and he has since been both praised and criticized for his beliefs. Regardless of whether the reader agrees with Rousseau's political theories, the works in "Basic Political Writings" are essential reading for anyone looking to better understand the forces at work behind the rise of civilizations, power, and politics.

This “fresh new rendition of Rousseau’s major political writings is a boon for scholars and students alike”—with a critical introduction by the translator (Richard Boyd, Georgetown University). Individualist and communitarian. Anarchist and totalitarian. Progressive and reactionary. Since the eighteenth century, Jean-Jacques Rousseau has been called all of these things. Few philosophers have been the subject of such intense debate, yet almost everyone agrees that Rousseau is among the most important political thinkers in history. Renowned Rousseau scholar John T. Scott highlights his enduring influence with this superb new edition of his major political writings. This volume includes authoritative and lucid new translations of the Discourse on the Sciences and Arts, the Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequality Among Men, and On the Social Contract. The two Discourses show Rousseau developing his well-known conception of the natural goodness of man and the problems posed by life in society. With the Social Contract, Rousseau became the first major thinker to argue that democracy is the only legitimate form of political organization. Scott’s extensive introduction enhances our understanding of these foundational writings, providing background information, social and historical context, and guidance for interpreting the works. Throughout, translation and editorial notes clarify ideas and terms that might not be immediately familiar to most readers.