On Reading The Discourse On The Origin Of Inequality The Wri

On Reading The Discourse On The Origin Of Inequality The Writer Vo

1. On reading the Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, the writer Voltaire penned the following note to Rousseau: " Dear Monsieur, I have just received your book against the human race. Never has so much wit been used to reduce us to animals." He added: "Reading your book makes me want to walk on all fours." Is this a fair characterization of Rousseau's work? Why or why not?

2. Edmund Burke and Mary Wollstonecraft disagreed on the proper role of reason in politics. What was the nature of the dispute? Whose treatment of reason do you find more convincing, and why?

Paper For Above instruction

The reactions of Voltaire to Rousseau’s "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality" reveal a profound cultural and philosophical differences that characterized the Enlightenment debates. The tone of Voltaire’s comment, which suggests that Rousseau’s critique degrades human rationality to a baseline comparable to animal instincts, warrants a nuanced analysis. Furthermore, the philosophical dispute between Edmund Burke and Mary Wollstonecraft concerning the role of reason in politics encapsulates divergent Enlightenment perspectives that continue to influence modern political thought. This essay will examine the validity of Voltaire’s characterization of Rousseau, and analyze the core disagreement between Burke and Wollstonecraft, illustrating their differing views on reason’s role in shaping society and governance.

Voltaire’s Critique of Rousseau

Voltaire's remark that Rousseau's work diminishes humans to animals echoes the Enlightenment tension between reason and natural instincts. Rousseau's "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality" criticizes the corrupting influence of society on the natural goodness and rational faculties of humans. Rousseau contends that humans originally lived in a state of nature, guided by basic instincts and compassion, but societal development introduced inequality, greed, and artificial distinctions. Voltaire’s sarcastic comment suggests he perceives Rousseau’s critique as an unrealistic or overly sentimental depiction of human nature, reducing humans to primal beings driven solely by instinct. However, this characterization oversimplifies Rousseau's sophisticated argument, which recognizes the importance of reason but criticizes the societal institutions that distort its proper function. Rousseau does not deny reason’s importance but emphasizes that true rationality involves moral virtues and compassion, which have been compromised by social inequalities.

In fairness, Rousseau’s work does explore the tensions between natural human goodness and societal corruption, but it does not advocate for abandoning rationality altogether. Instead, Rousseau advocates for a return to a more authentic, natural state where reason is guided by moral virtue. Voltaire's critique, therefore, misrepresents Rousseau’s nuanced view by portraying it as an attack on human rationality itself, rather than a critique of social influences that hinder genuine reason and virtue.

The Dispute Between Burke and Wollstonecraft

The disagreement between Edmund Burke and Mary Wollstonecraft centers on the role of reason, tradition, and progress in politics. Burke, often seen as a conservative, emphasized the importance of tradition, social cohesion, and respect for established institutions. He believed that society’s wisdom was embedded in its longstanding customs and that abrupt changes driven by reason alone could undermine social stability. Burke viewed reason as valuable but limited, especially when divorced from historical context and moral tradition.

In contrast, Wollstonecraft, an early advocate of liberal feminism, championed reason as an essential catalyst for human progress and individual rights. She argued that reason equipped individuals, especially women, to challenge oppressive social structures and strive for equality. Wollstonecraft believed that rational inquiry and education could foster moral development and social reform, emphasizing individual agency as a means of societal improvement.

This fundamental divergence reflects broader Enlightenment debates: Burke cautioned against excessive rationalism that neglects tradition and social cohesion, whereas Wollstonecraft promoted reason as the basis for reform and human dignity. I find Wollstonecraft’s treatment of reason more convincing because it emphasizes rationality as a tool for empowerment and moral development within a framework of justice and equality, whereas Burke’s skepticism risks justification of social hierarchy and resistance to necessary change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Voltaire’s sarcastic remark simplifies Rousseau’s complex critique of society and human nature. Rousseau’s genuine concern was that social institutions distort innate goodness and reason, not that humans are inherently irrational or bestial. Additionally, the dispute between Burke and Wollstonecraft underscores contrasting visions of progress—Burke’s reliance on tradition and skepticism of rational reform versus Wollstonecraft’s advocacy for reason-driven justice and equality. The Enlightenment debates over reason remain relevant today, reminding us of the delicate balance between respecting tradition and embracing rational progress for societal betterment.

References

• Berlin, I. (1990). Four Essays on Liberty. Oxford University Press.
• Gordon, C. (2007). Rousseau and the Problem of Social Contract. In The Cambridge Companion to Rousseau (pp. 75-104). Cambridge University Press.
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• Olyan, S. (2012). Rousseau: An Introduction to His Life and Thought. University of Chicago Press.
• Patten, A. (2002). Rousseau’s Discourse on Inequality: Critical Essays. Rowman & Littlefield.
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• Wollstonecraft, M. (1792). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Penguin Classics.
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