Discourse on the Origin and the Foundations of Inequality Among Men - Softcover

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1523326417 ISBN 13: 9781523326419

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016

Synopsis

Discourse on the Origin and the Foundations of Inequality Among Men

The Second Discourse

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Translated by Ian Johnston

Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men, also commonly known as the "Second Discourse", is a work by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Rousseau first exposes in this work his conception of a human state of nature, presented as a philosophical fiction (like by Thomas Hobbes, unlike by John Locke), and of human perfectibility, an early idea of progress. He then explains the way, according to him, people may have established civil society, which leads him to present private property as the original source and basis of all inequality.

In this text, the explanatory notes which appear at the end of the document are provided by the translator. The presence of such notes is indicated by an asterisk in the text which links to the relevant note. Rousseau’s notes — indicated by an Arabic numeral in brackets in the text — also appear at the conclusion of the main text. The numerals link directly to the appropriate note. Editorial insertions into the text by the translator are indicated by square brackets, e.g., [inserted comment]. Some of Rousseau’s longer paragraphs have been divided up into shorter units.

Where Rousseau has provided a Latin quotation, this text has the English translation, with a link to the original Latin in the footnote.

Jean–Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778), the very famous French philosopher and writer, prepared his Discourse on Inequality (also called the Second Discourse) as an entry in a competition organized by the Academy of Dijon in 1754. He had won first prize in a previous competition (in 1750) with his Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts (the First Discourse), a victory which had helped to make him famous. The Second Discourse did not fare so well in the contest.

When the Second Discourse was published again in 1782, Rousseau inserted a few short minor additions into the text. These are included here but are not indicated.

Discourse on the Origin and the Foundations of Inequality Among Men

by

Jean–Jacques Rousseau

Citizen of Geneva

About this title

Review:

Rousseau's early essay on the origins of man and society using biology, anthropology and linguistics is now mostly of historical interest, but Neville Jason s skilled reading helps keep it enjoyable. His pleasant voice, distinguished-sounding accent, and somewhat rolling style at the same time precise and conversational, intellectual but easygoing matches Rousseau's essayistic manner. Jason avoids becoming ponderous, moving the text fluidly but at a measured pace, which is helpful for the listener who is grappling with the ideas. He clearly understands what he s reading and is able to give phrases and sentences their proper intonation and emphasis, which also aids the listener s understanding. Audio may not seem the obvious choice for philosophy, but Jason's narration makes it work. --Audio file, Oct'15

About the Author:

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1523326417
• ISBN 13: 9781523326419
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 94