Discourse 1 & 2
In Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Discourses, freedom is one of the most important themes. Freedom is possible for the human person, but things such as society play a considerable role in limiting human freedom. He argues that culture is what teaches people ideas which enslaved them in society, thus he firmly holds that people are better off in their original state of nature. In The First and Second Discourses, Rousseau describes what life is like in the original state of nature and argues that it is preferable over civilized society due to several prevailing factors. However, that type of lifestyle which contains complete freedom is not achievable in the modern world.According to Rousseau, there are two types of freedom: positive and negative. Positive freedom is transpired through one's original state of nature where few relationships are established. The original state of nature is calm and peaceful, resembling a simplistic form of life. Negative freedom arises from the natural development of the human person and the construction of relationships and societies. Rousseau finds man living in the original state of nature at the greatest advantage than man living in society. Society produces inequality and restraints whereas the origin
However, this negative freedom might be more desirable and satisfying because consent gives people a sense of security. This is where negative freedom originates. Thus, nothing agitates his soul nor can desire override his needs. Instinct is the most basic guidance factor to live by which makes life and decisions less complicated. Selfishness and 'Deserve Rights' come into being as man reflects on what he deserves. This begins the moral inequality and allows for the domination and exploitation of the poor by the rich. For "his modest needs are so easily found at hand" and his lack of desire to become more knowledgeable leaves him without curiosity. Instead, the poor consents to the notion of a political society and law which leads to oppression. When man becomes sociable he becomes a slave to society which makes him "weak, fearful, [and] servile". Pity and self-preservation are the two main motivational characteristics that ever human/animal possesses. The savage man does not suffer from temptation of passions, which is admirable according to Rousseau. The more violent a civilized man becomes, the need for laws arise. takes the place of laws, morals, and virtue. and make[s] dominant the sex that ought to obey. Civil men use love to gain power over women.
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