What does Rousseau say in discourse on inequality?

Rousseau, in his A Discourse on Inequality, an account of the historical development of the human race, distinguished between “natural man” (man as formed by nature) and “social man” (man as shaped by society). He argued that good education should develop the nature of man.

What is the main cause of inequality according to Rousseau?

Rousseau distinguishes two types of inequality: natural (or physical) and moral. The natural inequality stems from differences in age, health, or other physical characteristics. The moral inequality is established by a convention of men. Rousseau will therefore explore the origin of this convention.

What is Rousseau concept of equality?

To the proposition that all men are born equal he could be said to subscribe only in the sense that “all men were originally equal”. Rousseau argued that equality prevailed in the state of nature; but he also said it would be wrong to expect, even to desire such equality in civil society.

What are the two types of inequality Rousseau?

Rousseau discusses two types of inequality: natural, or physical inequality, and ethical, or moral inequality. Natural inequality involves differences between one human’s body and that of another—it is a product of nature.

What does Rousseau say about the origin of inequality?

Discourse On the Origin of Inequality Summary. According to Rousseau, there are two kinds of inequality among the human species. He calls the first one natural or physical inequality, “because it is established by nature, and consists in a difference of age, health, bodily strength, and the qualities of the mind or of the soul.” The other one,…

Who is the author of discourse on inequality?

Discourse on Inequality was written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and published in 1755. Read a brief overview of the work, or chapter by chapter summaries. Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of the book by reading these key quotes.

Why did Rousseau think it was high time to study mankind?

He thinks it is the high time to study mankind, because the ever-advancing scientific discoveries and technological inventions are gradually pushing humanity farther from its primitive state, which he terms the “state of nature.” According to Rousseau, there are two kinds of inequality among the human species.

What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau believe about the state of nature?

Rousseau first exposes in this work his conception of a human state of nature, broadly believed to be a hypothetical thought exercise and of human perfectibility, an early idea of progress.