Bibliograph

The social contract ;, and, the first and second discourses, Jean-Jacques Rousseau ; edited and with an introduction by Susan Dunn ; with essays by Gita May [and others]

Type

Label

The social contract ;, and, the first and second discourses, Jean-Jacques Rousseau ; edited and with an introduction by Susan Dunn ; with essays by Gita May [and others]

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The social contract ;

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

47803390

Responsibility statement

Jean-Jacques Rousseau ; edited and with an introduction by Susan Dunn ; with essays by Gita May [and others]

Series statement

Rethinking the Western tradition

Sub title

and, the first and second discourses

Summary

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ideas about society, culture and government are pivotal in the history of political thought. His works are as controversial as they are relevant today. This volume brings together three of Rousseau's most important political writings - "The Social Contract" and "The First Discourse (Discourse on the Sciences and Arts)" and "The Second Discourse (Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequality)" - and presents essays by major scholars that shed light on the dimensions and implications of these texts. Susan Dunn's introductory essay underlines the unity of Rousseau's political thought and explains why his ideas influenced Jacobin revolutionaries in France but repelled American revolutionaries across the ocean. Gita May's essay discusses Rousseau as cultural critic. Robert Bellah explores Rousseau's attempt to resolve the tension between the individual's desire for freedom and the obligations that society imposes. David Bromwich analyzes Rousseau as a psychologist of the human self. And Conor Cruise O'Brien takes on the "noxious", "deranged" Rousseau, excoriated by Edmund Burke but admired by Robespierre and Thomas Jefferson. Written from different, even opposing perspectives, these essays should convey a sense of the vital and contentious debate surrounding Rousseau and his legacy. For this edition Susan Dunn has provided a new translation of the "Discourse on the Sciences and Arts" and has revised a previously published translation of "The Social Contract"

Table Of Contents

Introduction: Rousseau's political triptych / Susan Dunn -- Chronology of Rousseau's life. The first discourse: Discourses on the sciences and art ; The second discourse: Discourse on the origin and foundations of inequality among mankind ; The social contract -- Rethinking The first and second discourses and The social contract. Rousseau, cultural critic / Gita May ; Rousseau on society and the individual / Robert N. Bellah ; Rousseau and the self without property / David Browmich ; Rousseau, Robespierre, Burke, Jefferson, and the French revolution / Conor Cruise O'Brien

Target audience

adult

Classification

Contributor

Creator