Discourse on the Origin of Inequality (Paperback)

In his Discourses (1755), Rousseau argues that inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process. If inequality is intolerable - and Rousseau shows with unparalledled eloquence how it robs us not only of our material but also of our psychological independence - then how can we recover the peaceful self-sufficiency of life in the state of nature? We cannot return to a simpler time, but measuring the costs of progress may help us to imagine alternatives to the corruption and oppressive conformity of modern society. Rousseau's sweeping account of humanity's social and political development epitomizes the innovative boldness of the Englightment, and it is one of the most provocative and influential works of the eighteenth century. This new translation includes all Rousseau's own notes, and Patrick Coleman's introduction builds on recent key scholarship, considering particularly the relationship between political and aesthetic thought. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

General

Imprint:	Oxford UniversityPress
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	Oxford World's Classics
Release date:	April 2009
First published:	July 2009
Authors:	Jean Jacques Rousseau
Translators:	Franklin Philip
Editors:	Patrick Coleman (Associate Professor of French)
Dimensions:	195 x 128 x 8mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	176
ISBN-13:	978-0-19-955542-0
Categories:	Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political science & theory Books > Language & Literature > Literature: history & criticism > Literary studies > 16th to 18th centuries Books > Language & Literature > Literature: history & criticism > Novels, other prose & writers > General Books > Humanities > Philosophy > Western philosophy > Modern Western philosophy, c 1600 to the present > General Books > Philosophy > Western philosophy > Modern Western philosophy, c 1600 to the present > General
LSN:	0-19-955542-7
Barcode:	9780199555420

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