This book casts a new light on Rousseau's personality and beliefs. Although the predominant thinkers of the time had a deistic outlook (God as distant and impersonal) and stressed rationalism and enlightenment, Rousseau stressed man's moral and spiritual aspects and needs, including praying to a God who listens and may respond. In this book, Charles A. Spirn has collected the prayers Rousseau wrote, which are scattered throughout his writings, thus publishing his acclaimed dissertation. Rousseau's beliefs are shown to be largely theistic, believing in a God who rules the world and has a personal, providential, and responsive relationship with humanity. He is increasingly seen as the most influential French thinker of the 18th century who challenged the great of his day. Both clergymen and laymen turned to him for guidance in spiritual and existential matters.
This carefully edited Jean-Jacques Rousseau collection has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Table of Contents: Novels Emile, or On Education New Heloise (An Excerpt) Political Writings The Social Contract Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men Discourse on the Arts and Sciences A Discourse on Political Economy Autobiography Confessions Criticism on Rousseau Rousseau and Romanticism (Irving Babbitt)
Contents -- Preface -- Preface to the American Edition -- Note on Citations -- Translator's Note and Acknowledgments -- First Book -- I. The Philosopher among Nonphilosophers -- II. Faith -- III. Nature -- IV. Beisichselbstsein -- V. Politics -- VI. Love -- VII. Self-Knowledge -- Second Book -- Rousseau and the Profession of Faith of the Savoyard Vicar -- Name Index
Published between 1762 and 1765, these writings are the last works Rousseau wrote for publication during his lifetime. Responding in each to the censorship and burning of Emile and Social Contract, Rousseau airs his views on censorship, religion, and the relation between theory and practice in politics. The Letter to Beaumont is a response to a Pastoral Letter by Christophe de Beaumont, Archbishop of Paris (also included in this volume), which attacks the religious teaching in Emile. Rousseau's response concerns the general theme of the relation between reason and revelation and contains his most explicit and boldest discussions of the Christian doctrines of creation, miracles, and original sin. In Letters Written from the Mountain, a response to the political crisis in Rousseau's homeland of Geneva caused by a dispute over the burning of his works, Rousseau extends his discussion of Christianity and shows how the political principles of the Social Contract can be applied to a concrete constitutional crisis. One of his most important statements on the relation between political philosophy and political practice, it is accompanied by a fragmentary "History of the Government of Geneva." Finally, "Vision of Peter of the Mountain, Called the Seer" is a humorous response to a resident of Motiers who had been inciting attacks on Rousseau during his exile there. Taking the form of a scriptural account of a vision, it is one of the rare examples of satire from Rousseau's pen and the only work he published anonymously after his decision in the early 1750s to put his name on all his published works. Within its satirical form, the "Vision" contains Rousseau's last public reflections on religious issues. Neither the Letter to Beaumont nor the Letters Written from the Mountain has been translated into English since defective translations that appeared shortly after their appearance in French. These are the first translations of both the "History" and the "Vision."
The Collected Works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau showcases the breadth and depth of the renowned philosopher's literary output, ranging from political theory to autobiographical musings. Written in a clear and engaging manner, Rousseau's works delve into themes of human nature, societal structures, and the nature of freedom. His writing style is profound yet accessible, making this collection a must-read for anyone interested in Enlightenment philosophy. With influences from the likes of Montesquieu and Locke, Rousseau's works are a cornerstone of Western philosophical thought.
Rousseau is known as the forerunner of the French Revolution. He called for a "return to nature" which included a society demonstrating true equality. Rousseau's main philosophical works, which outline his social and political ideals, include: The New Eloise; Emile, or On Education; and The Social Contract. Rousseau was the first political philosopher who, while exploring the origins of the state, attempted to explain the causes of social inequality and its forms. He believed that the state existed through a social contract with the people. Rousseau's writings rebuke modern society for inequalities, while providing ethical instruction and encouraging the science of compassion. DISCOURSE ON THE ARTS AND SCIENCES DISCOURSE ON THE ORIGIN AND BASIS OF INEQUALITY AMONG MEN DISCOURSE ON POLITICAL ECONOMY ÉMILE, OR ON EDUCATION THE SOCIAL CONTRACT OR PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL RIGHT CONSTITUTIONAL PROJECT FOR CORSICA CONSIDERATIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT OF POLAND REVERIES OF A SOLITARY WALKER THE CONFESSIONS OF JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU
Book 1: Engage with educational philosophy in “Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.” Rousseau presents his innovative ideas on education through the fictional account of Emile's upbringing, challenging traditional norms and emphasizing the importance of individualized, experiential learning. Book 2: Immerse yourself in the intimate revelations of a philosopher's life with “The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.” Rousseau bares his soul in this autobiographical work, providing a unique and candid glimpse into his personal experiences, beliefs, and the societal challenges he grappled with. Book 3: Explore the foundations of political philosophy with “The Social Contract & Discourses by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.” Rousseau delves into the nature of political authority, the social contract, and the ideal structure of a just society. His influential discourses further enrich the reader's understanding of the complexities of governance and human nature.
