Need for virtue, History

Assignment Help:

Rousseau and the need for Virtue

If Voltaire was the prime example of an Enlightenment philosophe who promoted reason as the essential characteristic of human beings, the other tradition of Enlightenment thought which emphasized virtue was embodied by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Rousseau was born in the city of Geneva, which meant he was a Calvinist and a citizen of a republic. He was, like Diderot, the son of a watchmaker, who educated Jean-Jacques informally but intensely. As a teenager, the young Rousseau left for Paris, converting to Catholicism along the way. He was very interested in the Enlightenment, but concerned that its emphasis on reason as the source of all useful knowledge was misguided.

In 1750 he became well known for an essay in which he argued that despite what the philosophes said practical knowledge did not contributed to morality at all; instead it had corrupted people's morals in Europe, because it had encouraged people to become reliant on others rather than producing all they need for themselves. He considered such a situation to be unnatural, because it inevitably led to inequality (moral, political and economic) among people.

 


Related Discussions:- Need for virtue

The crittenden compromise attempted to do what, The Crittenden Compromise a...

The Crittenden Compromise attempted to do what? 1. Pacify southern states by outlawing slavery in gradual periods. 2. Avoid war by guaranteeing that all new territories would

Litigious culture, How do you think our litigious culture has most affected...

How do you think our litigious culture has most affected the way student affairs professionals work?Give an example

What effects will it have on the north, I'm creating a flyer about the Civi...

I'm creating a flyer about the Civil War addressing the North. What effects will it have on the North? Can you help me understand "Author's Introduction to Democracy in Ameri

What methods of control did parliament use against colonies, After 1763, wh...

After 1763, what methods of control did Parliament use against the colonies? Which methods worked? Which failed? Which backfired

Advertising for or against particular candidates, This sort of group can sp...

This sort of group can spend unlimited funds on advertising for or against particular candidates: a) A political party b) A federally-registered interest group c) Federally-regi

What were the institutions of power in the colonies, What were the institut...

What were the institutions of power in the colonies? What powers did they have? How strong were these institutions, especially compared with each other?

Reagan revolution through president obama, Reagan Revolution Through Presid...

Reagan Revolution Through President Obama 1. Identify at least two (2) major historical turning points in the period under discussion. 2. Analyze the impact of the two (2) or more

Development of art and architecture, The Indus Valley Civilization was famo...

The Indus Valley Civilization was famous for (a) Well-planned cities (b) Efficient civil organization (c) Development of Art and Architecture (d) All of these

Describe a contemporary monument in your city, Describe a contemporary monu...

Describe a contemporary monument in your city or in another U.S. city and whether it holds some special significance for the citizens of the city where it was erected. State whethe

Explain the fiscal and social crisis in france leading, Considering the cau...

Considering the causes which led to the American Revolution, make a case that the Articles of Confederation were a logical form of government for the revolutionaries to adopt. E

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd