Jean-Jacques Rousseau
French-Swiss philosopher whose Discourse on Inequality and The Social Contract argued that humans are naturally good but corrupted by civilization and private property. His concept of the general will influenced the French Revolution and all subsequent democratic theory. Émile transformed Western ideas about childhood education.
Works
- The Social ContractPolitical philosophy foundation: legitimacy derives from general will consent
- ÉmileTreatise on education from infancy through moral and natural development
- ConfessionsAutobiographical reflections from birth through formative experiences
- Discourse on InequalityPhilosophical history of inequality origins and natural human condition
- Julie, or the New HeloiseEpistolary novel exploring love, virtue, and social relationships
- EmileTreatise on education from infancy through moral and natural development