Discourse on the origin of inequality
By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau ; tranlated by Franklin Philip ; edited with an introduction by Patrick Coleman.
Contributors: Coleman, Patrick.
Series: The World's classics
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Oxford; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 127
Subjects: Equality; Natural law; Political science
Description: In his Discourses (1755), Rousseau argues that inequalities of rank, wealth and power are the inevitable result of the civilising 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 epitomises the innovative boldness of the Englightment, and it is one of the most provocative and influential works of the 18th century.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [121]-127.