Description
Book SynopsisThis book gives readers at all levels access to a vastly influential text of modern philosophy, Rousseau's Second Discourse. Neuhouser evaluates and reconstructs Rousseau's arguments on why economic inequalities are so common in society and the dangers they pose to human well-being: unhappiness, loss of freedom, immorality, conflict, and alienation.
Trade Review'For two decades now Frederick Neuhouser has been one of the most brilliant philosophical readers of Rousseau that we have, and his new book offers a masterly reconstruction of the central argument of the Second Discourse. Solid in exposition, tightly argued throughout, and compelling in the details, Neuhouser shows clearly - as so much of the scholarship does not - just what Rousseau's answers in fact were to the two questions he set himself to answer: what is the origin of human inequality, and does it have its foundations in the natural law?' Christopher Brooke, University of Bristol
'Neuhouser's penetrating study of Rousseau's Discourse is doubly welcome. First, it serves as a useful reconstruction of the central argument of the Discourse concerning the sources of inequality and its pervasiveness in modern society. Second, his study goes beyond a commentary by actively engaging Rousseau's own critical examination of inequality and showing its relevance for thinking about the economic, social, and political inequalities we continue to face today.' John Scott, University of California
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Nature is not the source of social inequality; 2. Amour propre is the source of social inequality; 3. The normative resources of nature; 4. Judging the legitimacy of social inequalities; 5. The contemporary relevance of Rousseau's critique.
