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 unparalleled 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 ...
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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 unparalleled 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 Enlightenment, and it is one of the most provocative and influential works of the 18th 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. Patrick Coleman is the author of "Rousseau's Political Imagination".
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Add this copy of Discourse on the Origin of Inequality to cart. $4.87, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1994 by Oxford University Press.
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Rousseau is one of the most renowned and respected thinkers of three some odd centuries ago. That the basis for some of his philosophizing is today outdated, making his argument and his conclusions seem almost ridiculous is obvious just by reading the first few pages of this brief essay. Statements and claims about the understanding Europeans had of the "noble savage" are, by today's understanding, ridiculous, formed by an imperfect examination of Native Americans and a totally mistaken representation of their culture and government.
