Rousseau / Nicholas Dent.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dent, N. J. H., 1945-

Series:

Routledge philosophers

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques, 1712-1778.

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques.

Physical Description:

xx, 248 pages ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2005.

Summary:

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) is one of the best-known figures of the French Enlightenment and a central flgure in eighteenth-century philosophy. His renowned theories of the social contract, inequality, liberty and education make him one of the most famous political philosophers of all time.

In this outstanding introduction. Nicholas Dent covers the whole of Rousseau's thought. Beginning with a helpful overview of Rousseau's life and works, he introduces and assesses Rousseau's central ideas and arguments. These include the corruption of modern civilization, the state of nature, his famous theories of amour de soi and amour propre; and his controversial view on education found in Emile. He gives particular attention to Rousseau's theories of democracy and freedom found in his most celebrated work. The Social Contract, and explains what Rousseau meant by the 'general will'.

Nicholas Dent also covers Rousseau's celebrated biographical works, including The Confessions and Reveries of the Solitary Walker, essential to understanding Rousseau's work as a whole. The final chapter considers Rousseau's legacy and examines the way his thought influenced later philosophers such as Kant, Hegel and Marx and played an important role in shaping the Romantic movement and the French Revolution.

Rousseau is an invaluable introduction to this inspiring philosopher and essential reading for anyone studying his ideas and arguments for the first time.

Contents:

Introduction

Life and key works

The three Discourses

Émile

The social contract

Culture, religion and politics

Autobiography

Rousseau's legacy and influence.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [235]-242) and index.

ISBN:

0415283493

0415283507

9780415283502

OCLC:

56567432