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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. Where was Rousseau born according to the Introduction?

2. What does Rousseau say the increase of knowledge helps generate?

3. What does Rousseau say arts and sciences restrict?

4. What does Rousseau argue generates physics?

5. What does Rousseau say at the end of Chapter 1 might contradict virtue?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Rousseau argue about philosophers?

4. How does Rousseau depict men of today?

5. Why is Rousseau concerned about children?

6. What does Rousseau believe contradicts one another?

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

8. What does Rousseau believe about time?

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

10. What does Rousseau believe about the growing size of society?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, discuss the difference between the savage man and the modern man as introduced by Rousseau and make sure to examine the similarities and differences, as well as influences of each.

Essay Topic 2

In the Preface, Rousseau quotes Aristotle and says "What is natural has to be investigated not in begins that are depraved, but in those that are good according to nature." In an essay, discuss the idea of nature and how it may justify inequality. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Rousseau's view of suffering as discussed in Chapter 6 and examine both the causes and effects of suffering. Students should use the text to support their statements.

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