Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

In his Discourses (1755), Rousseau argues that inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process. If inequality is intolerable - and Rousseau shows with unparalledled eloquence how it robs us not only of our material but also of our psychological independence - then how can we recover the peaceful self-sufficiency of life in the state of nature? We cannot return to a simpler time, but measuring the costs of progress may help us to imagine alternatives to the corruption and oppressive conformity of modern society. Rousseau's sweeping account of humanity's social and political development epitomizes the innovative boldness of the Englightment, and it is one of the most provocative and influential works of the eighteenth century. This new translation includes all Rousseau's own notes, and Patrick Coleman's introduction builds on recent key scholarship, considering particularly the relationship between political and aesthetic thought. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Product details

• Authors: Franklin Philip, Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Assisted by: Patrick Coleman (Editor), Patrick (Associate Professor of French Coleman (Editor), Coleman Patrick (Editor), Franklin Philip (Translation), Philip Franklin (Translation)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 23.04.2009
• EAN: 9780199555420
• ISBN: 978-0-19-955542-0
• No. of pages: 176
• Dimensions: 132 mm x 197 mm x 12 mm
• Series: Oxford World's Classics
• Subjects: Education and learning > Teaching preparation > Vocational needs; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; French, POLITICAL SCIENCE / History & Theory, PHILOSOPHY / History & Surveys / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / European / French, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / General, Political science & theory, 18th century, c 1700 to c 1799, Political science and theory, Literary studies: c 1500 to c 1800, Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900, Philosophical traditions and schools of thought, Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers, Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers, Literary studies: c 1600 to c 1800, C 1700 To C 1800, LITERARY CRITICISM / Novel as Form