The political philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau : the impossibility of reason

This exciting new text presents the first overview of Jean Jacques Rousseau's work from a political science perspective. Was Rousseau--the great theorist of the French Revolution--really a conservative? This original study argues that the he was a constitutionalist much closer to Madison, Montesquieu, and Locke than to revolutionaries. Outlining his profound opposition to Godless materialism and revolutionary change, this book finds parallels between Rousseau and Burke, as well as showing how Rousseau developed the first modern theory of nationalism. The book presents an integrated political analysis of Rousseau's educational, ethical, religious and political writings, and will be essential reading for students of politics, philosophy and the history of ideas. 'This title presents an overview of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's work from a political science perspective. Was Rousseau - the great theorist of the French Revolution - really a conservative? The text argues that the author of "The Social Contract" was a constitutionalist much closer to Madison, Montesquieu and Locke than to revolutionaries. Outlining his profound opposition to Godless materialism and revolutionary change, this book finds parallels between Rousseau and Burke, as well as showing that Rousseau developed the first modern theory of nationalism. The book presents an integrated political analysis of Rousseau's educational, ethical, religious and political writings, and should be of value to students of politics, philosophy and the history of ideas' --Back cover Front matter Epigraph Contents Preface Acknowledgements Introduction and method The politics of the soul: the life and times of Jean-Jacques Rousseau The disenchantment of the world Checks, balances and popular participation: Rousseau as a constitutionalist A civic profession of faith: Rousseau’s and nationalism The last of the ancients the first of the moderns? Epilogue: in the beginning was song Chronology of Rousseau’s life (1712–78) Bibliography Index