
Rousseau
A Very Short Introduction
Robert Wokler(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 23. August 2001
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-19-280198-2 (ISBN)
Description
One of the most profound thinkers of modern history, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) was a central figure of the European Enlightenment. He was also its most formidable critic, condemning the political, economic, theological, and sexual trappings of civilization along lines that would excite the enthusiasm of romantic individualists and radical revolutionaries alike.
In this study of Rousseau's life and works Robert Wokler shows how his philosophy of history, his theories of music and politics, his fiction, educational and religious writings, and even his botany, were all inspired by visionary ideals of mankind's self-realization in a condition of unfettered freedom. He explains how, in regressing to classical republicanism, ancient mythology, direct communion with God, and solitude, Rousseau anticipated some post-modernist rejections of the Enlightenment as well.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
In this study of Rousseau's life and works Robert Wokler shows how his philosophy of history, his theories of music and politics, his fiction, educational and religious writings, and even his botany, were all inspired by visionary ideals of mankind's self-realization in a condition of unfettered freedom. He explains how, in regressing to classical republicanism, ancient mythology, direct communion with God, and solitude, Rousseau anticipated some post-modernist rejections of the Enlightenment as well.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
27 halftones
Dimensions
Height: 178 mm
Width: 115 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
172 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-280198-2 (9780192801982)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Person
Robert Wokler was based at the Whitney Humanities Center at Yale University, where he was Senior Lecturer in Political Science and the Special Program in the Humanities.
Content
1. Life and times of a citizen of Geneva ; 2. Culture, music, and the Corruption of Morals ; 3. Human nature and civil society ; 4. Liberty, virtue and citizenship ; 5. Religion, education, and sexuality ; 6. Vagabond reverie ; Further reading, Index