In this superb introduction, Nicholas Dent covers the whole of Rousseau&apos;s thought. Beginning with a helpful overview of Rousseau&apos;s life and works, he introduces and assesses Rousseau&apos;s central ideas and arguments. These include the corruption of modern civilization, the state of nature, his famous theories of <em>amour de soi </em>and <em>amour propre</em>, education, and his famous work <em>Emile</em>. He gives particular attention to Rousseau&apos;s theories of democracy and freedom found in his most celebrated work, <em>The Social Contract</em>, and explains what Rousseau meant by the &apos;general will&apos;.