Jean-Jacques Rosseau (1712-1778)

Question 1

Human Nature

Answer 1

Pessimistic. Rosseau believed that we can’t be interdependent and remain morally pure.
Rosseau thought that the more socially developed a society became (economically, technologically), the more they stray from morality, thus the more they become morally corrupt.
Rosseau considered moral freedom as the peak of all freedom.

Question 2

Individual and Society

Answer 2

“Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains. One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they.”

Rosseau believed that social institutions develop extreme inequalities (nobilities vs peasants).
Rosseau said that the social contact is only justified when it enables people to advance in higher ways than they would without it.
Advocated for a democratic society.
The purpose of the state is to maintain equality of its people. Equality must be for all and there must be no “special groups.”

Republic thought was born through Rosseau (during French Revolution) – state should stay out of private matters.
Rosseau was marked by liberal individualism: “what are the needs of the individual in a collective?”