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Introduction

• Rousseau, a philosopher, greatly influenced the 18th century and wrote the Social Contract and Emile.

• Rousseau's work inspired extreme reactions and is the most read author of 18th century France.
• Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712 and eventually moved to Paris.

• Rousseau's book Emile was condemned by the French Parliament in 1762.

• Rousseau fled France in 1762 and died in 1778.
• Many traditions conflicted in the philosophical circles of the 18th century.

• Hobbes, Spinoza and Locke were philosophers that started casting doubt of the teachings of the absolute truth of Christian doctrine.

• Philosophers of that time tried to avoid metaphysical disputes.
• Rousseau's work is a mixture of contemporary and ancient philosophy.

• The First Discourse argues that popular enlightenment, including the arts and sciences corrupts morality.

• The Second Discourse examines the state of nature of modern society and that of ancient societies.
• Rousseau thinks the Academies should prevent the spread of...

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