Rousseau Jean-Jacques - Geneva 28 giugno 1712, Ermenonville 2 luglio 1778;was a Swiss-French philosopher, writer, and composer, whose ideas significantly influenced the Enlightenment and political theory, as well as the French Revolution. He is renowned for his works on political philosophy, education, and the human condition. Below is an overview of his life, historical context, and major works.
Life
Early Life:
Rousseau was born in Geneva, which was then a city-state. He lost his mother shortly after birth and had a strained relationship with his father. As a young man, he wandered through Europe, taking on various jobs.
Philosophical Emergence:
In the 1740s, Rousseau moved to Paris, where he mingled with Enlightenment thinkers like Diderot and contributed to the Encyclopédie. His ideas began to diverge from other Enlightenment thinkers, emphasizing emotion and moral simplicity over reason and material progress.
Legacy:
Rousseau's thoughts influenced the French Revolution, Romanticism, and modern political philosophy. His criticisms of inequality, institutions, and artificial social constructs were groundbreaking.
Major Works
1. Discourse on the Arts and Sciences (1750)
Key Idea: Civilization and progress corrupt human virtue.
Rousseau argues that the development of the arts and sciences has led to moral decay rather than improvement.
2. Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men (1755)
Key Idea: Human inequality arises from the formation of private property and social institutions.
He differentiates between "natural" inequality (physical differences) and "moral" or "political" inequality (societal constructs).
3. The Social Contract (1762)
Key Idea: Legitimate political authority comes from a social contract agreed upon by free and equal individuals.
Famous line: "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."
Rousseau advocates for popular sovereignty and a direct democracy where the "general will" guides society.
4. Émile, or On Education (1762)
Key Idea: Education should foster natural development and individual freedom.
Rousseau outlines an educational philosophy where children learn through experience rather than rote instruction. This work also discusses the role of women through the character of Sophie, reflecting his controversial views on gender.
5. Confessions (1782, posthumous)
Key Idea: A candid autobiography recounting Rousseau’s life and thoughts.
One of the first modern autobiographies, blending personal revelation and literary style.
6. Reveries of a Solitary Walker (1782, posthumous)
Key Idea: Reflection on nature, self, and solitude.
A meditative work written during his later years, offering insights into his evolving philosophy.
7. Julie, or the New Heloise (1761)
Key Idea: Explores love, virtue, and society through a romantic and epistolary novel.
This work contributed to Romantic literature, emphasizing emotion and individual feeling.
