Jean-Jacques RousseauBy Christine Graziano, Belle Newman,

and Kiwi Buckler

“One of the most influential thinkers during the

enlightenment in 18th century Europe”

Biography

Born in Geneva, Switzerland on June 28, 1712 Mother passed away shortly after birth No formal education, taught by father until he

was exiled when Rousseau was 10. First job: apprentice to an engraver Found work with a shopkeepers wife

Biography (Continued)

Left city at 16 Worked as a domestic servant in Turin;

falsely accused another servant of theft- affected him deeply

Was a composer and a music theorist, pioneered the modern autobiography, wrote novels, and experimented in botany.

Major works: Discourse on the Origins of Inequality, The Discourse on Political Economy, The Social Contract, and Considerations on the Government of Poland

Philosophical Ideas

GENERAL WILL Believed people could govern themselves Disagreed with Hobbesm- believed people were

good by nature His first philosophical work was A Discourse on

the Sciences and Arts. In this work, he states that advancements in sciences and arts has corrupted virtues and morals of common people.

Beliefs in Government

Believed in a Democratic government Thought they should be governed by the general

will of the people; majority rule

Beliefs in Government (Continued)

Social Contract - 1762› State can be legitimate only if guided by its

members.› By contributing their ideas, the people form

their own government.› The people have to give up certain rights and

freedoms to their government in return for protection and safety.

› They agree to act for the general will of the people, doing what is best for society.

Our Opinion

Principle of general will proclaimed people should be governed by majority rather than monarchy

Individual thinking combined with salutary neglect and formed idea that colonies were better off without England

List of Works Cited “Jean Jacques Rousseau.” Stanford Encyclopedia of

Psychology. Metaphysics Research Lab, CSLI, Stanford University. 27 Sep 2010. Web. 10 Oct 2012.

 “Jean Jacques Rousseau.” The History Guide. n.p. 4 Aug 2009. Web. 10 Oct 2012.

  “Jean-Jacques Rousseau.” Internet Encyclopedia

Philosophy. n.p. 21 Oct 2005. Web. 11 Oct 2012.

Delaney, James J. "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712—1778)." www.iep.utm.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/rousseau/>.