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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rousseau say men can do in the present?

2. What are the growing illegalities based on according to Rousseau?

3. What is needed by arts according to Rousseau?

4. Who attacked art and science according to Rousseau?

5. What displays apparent contradiction between virtue and enlightenment according to Rousseau in the First Discourse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rousseau believe contradicts one another?

2. How does Rousseau explain the nature of man in relation to art?

3. According to the Introduction, what does the First Discourse seek to prove?

4. What does Rousseau state has fallen apart in Chapter 1?

5. According to the Introduction, what has Jean-Jacques Rousseau inspired?

6. What does Rousseau argue about philosophers?

7. What does the Second Discourse focus on?

8. What claim about civilization is made at the start of Chapter 2?

9. Why is Rousseau concerned about children?

10. What is the most popular form of government in 18th century France and how is it described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the idea of perfection, also identified as man's ability to improve himself and the role of the environment. Discuss Rousseau's examination of perfectibility and adaptation by using the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

In an essay, discuss Rousseau's theory on economic inequality and discuss the ramifications of his theory on the populace, as well as on the economy. Students may rebut his comments with support from critics or by examining the concentration of wealth. Students should use the text to support their discussion.

Essay Topic 3

In an essay, discuss the criticism of Rousseau's arguments, particularly of how man is corrupted by civilization. Using secondary sources to support your analysis, discuss why his conclusions were correct or incorrect.

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This section contains 561 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample