Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (28 June 1712 – 2 July 1778) was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy influenced the progress of the Enlightenment throughout Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolution and the development of modern political, economic, and educational thought.

Early Life

Rousseau was born in Geneva, which was at the time a city-state and a Protestant associate of the Swiss Confederacy. His mother, Suzanne Bernard Rousseau, died of puerperal fever nine days after his birth, which he later described as "the first of my misfortunes". He was raised by his father, Isaac Rousseau, a watchmaker, with whom he read ancient Greek and Roman literature.

Career

Rousseau's most important work is The Social Contract, which outlines the basis for a legitimate political order within a framework of classical republicanism. Published in 1762, it became one of the most influential works of political philosophy in the Western tradition. It also influenced the overall development of modern political, sociological and educational thought.

Rousseau's novel Émile, or On Education is a treatise on the education of the whole person for citizenship. His sentimental novel Julie, or the New Heloise was important to the development of preromanticism and romanticism in fiction.

Philosophy

Rousseau's philosophy of education concerns itself not with particular techniques of imparting information and concepts, but rather with developing the pupil's character and moral sense, so that they may learn to practice self-mastery and remain virtuous even in the unnatural and imperfect society in which they will have to live.

Legacy

Rousseau's ideas were influential in shaping the French Revolution, and his theories on education and child development significantly impacted the emerging field of educational psychology. His philosophy also had a profound influence on the Romantic Movement and the development of liberal political and educational theory.

See Also

• Enlightenment (age)
• French Revolution
• Romanticism
• Educational psychology