Rousseau Essay -- Psychology

Rousseau starts his discourse with the quote, What is inborn has to be investigated non in beings that are depraved, but in those that are better according to temper (Aristotle. Politics. II). It is this idea that Rousseau uses to define his second discourse. Rousseau begins his story of hu musical composition nature by setting forth all the facts (132). The facts of the natural state of hu humansity are non necessary to determine the natural essence of human nature, and adding facts based on mans condition in order of magnitude does not show mans natural condition. The facts dont matter because to understand the essence of human nature requires looking to how man is in a completely natural state. Since man is no longer in this state, to determine this state means ignoring how man is now and focusing on mans traits in a state completely different than the one man is in now. This is what Rousseau tries to do in creating his imagined state of nature. For Rousseau, the story of t he state of nature is not meant to be apply as a critique of human nature but as a way to discover the essence of human nature.Rousseau starts his discourse by sets aside all the facts to understand the natural state of man untainted by the traits of man in society. He states the inquiries that may be pursued regarding this vanquish ought not be taken for historical truths, but only for hypothetical and conditional reasonings better suited to elucidate the nature of things than to show their genuine origin (132). The subject is the genuine nature of man. To discover this nature the facts cannot help because they do not look to the nature of man in his original state but to the man of now. Facts of the past help more in the discovery in the man of now than the beginning of man. Rou... ...ot lose all purpose even though may not be true. In creating a state of nature where man is naturally good, Rousseau forces the reader question his/her beliefs and Rousseaus ideas. Rousseaus argu ment for the freedom of society is creates uncertainty making it relevant. By creating a scenario where man is naturally good, he created a platform for the argument for the freedom of man in society. But, he does not necessarily persuade the reader man is good. He needs not persuade the reader in truth. He needs only to create doubt in the minds of the readers so that the individual may question the need for society. In this purpose, Rousseau accomplishes his task. He created a natural world in which the natural man is good leaving the societal man to question his role in society. Is equality necessary? Is authority necessary? These are the questions the reader must answer.