Lecture Notes: The Philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Introduction

• Modern life and the idea of progress in the 18th century.
• Conventional view: Progress moves from savagery to civilization.
• Rousseau's disagreement with this view.

Early Life

• Born in Geneva, 1712, to an educated watchmaker.
• Family fled Geneva due to a legal dispute.
• Life marked by instability and isolation.

Influences and Epiphany

• Moved to Paris, exposed to luxury and opulence.
• Read an essay question in Mercure de France in 1749.
• Epiphany: Civilization and progress have a destructive influence on morality.

Major Works and Ideas

Discourse on the Arts and Sciences

• Central thesis: Civilization corrupts inherent human goodness.
• Original state of humans: good and happy in a pre-social, natural state.
• Civilization introduces vice and sin.

Discourse on the Origins and Foundations of Inequality

• Idealized "state of nature": Humans lived in forests, close to nature.
• Simple, satisfied life, love for family, respect for nature, curiosity about others.
• Morality in the state of nature guided by empathy and spontaneous pity.

Critique of Civilization

• Civilization awakens unhealthy self-love (amour-propre): pride, jealousy, vanity.
• People compare themselves to others, lose sight of their own desires and sensations.
• Competition for status and money leads to moral degeneracy.
• Concept of the "noble savage": Innocence and morality of ancestors vs. modern decadence.

Influence on Views of Native Americans

• 16th-century reports on Native Americans: Materially simple but rich in psychological and societal aspects.
• European contact brought technology and luxury, leading to social issues like suicide and alcoholism.
• Modernity ruined lives of those in the "state of nature."

Ideas on Education

• Influential book: Émile, or On Education (1762).
• Children born naturally good; society corrupts them.
• Child-centered education: Play, nature, curiosity.
• Advocated breastfeeding, leading to a cultural shift.

Novels and Writings

• Celebrated intense feelings over social events.
• Julie (1761): Explored passionate love and emotional depth.
• Confessions: Autobiography focused on inner life and emotions.
• Emphasis on exploring and understanding one's inner life.

Legacy

• Died in 1778 at age 66.
• Hero of the French Revolution and influential in the Romantic Movement.
• Valued primitive over civilized, child over adult, passionate love over calm loyalty.
• Romantic Movement continues to influence modern values.

Conclusion

• Rousseau's ideas continue to be provocative and influential.
• His work challenges many aspects of modern common sense and societal values.