Discourse on Inequality Study Guide

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a Swiss-born philosopher, writer, and composer who had a profound impact on political philosophy and the Enlightenment in Europe. Born in Geneva, Rousseau's early life was marked by hardship and a lack of formal education. Despite these challenges, he became one of the most influential thinkers of his time, contributing significantly to modern political and educational thought.

Rousseau's works, including "The Social Contract" and "Émile, or On Education," challenged the prevailing notions of society, governance, and human nature. His ideas on the innate goodness of man and the corrupting influence of society were revolutionary, inspiring future democratic movements and philosophies.

Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men, commonly referred to as "Discourse on Inequality," was published in 1755. This work was a response to a question posed by the Academy of Dijon: "What is the origin of inequality among men, and is it authorized by natural law?" In this essay, Rousseau explores the evolution of human society from a state of nature to organized communities, arguing that social inequalities are a result of the development of private property, institutions, and laws that favor the wealthy and powerful.

Historical and Literary Context: The mid-18th century was a period of intellectual fervor known as the Enlightenment, marked by an emphasis on reason, science, and the questioning of traditional authority. Thinkers like Voltaire, Diderot, and Montesquieu were advocating for reason, individualism, and the critique of established norms, including the monarchy and the church.

Rousseau's "Discourse on Inequality" stands out for its radical critique of civilization and its romantic idealization of the "noble savage" living in a state of nature. Unlike his contemporaries, who largely celebrated progress and rationality, Rousseau warned that the advancement of arts and sciences had led to moral decay and social disparity. His work laid the groundwork for later revolutionary thoughts and movements, influencing the French Revolution and the development of socialist and egalitarian ideologies in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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