The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the 'Well-Ordered Society', Maurizio Viroli

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the 'Well-Ordered Society'

Maurizio Viroli

This book studies a central but hitherto neglected aspect of Rousseau's political thought: the concept of social order and its implications for the ideal society which he envisages. The antithesis between order and disorder is a fundamental theme in Rousseau's work, and the author takes it as the basis for this study. In contrast with a widely held interpretation of Rousseau's philosophy, Professor Viroli argues that natural and political order are by no means the same for Rousseau. He explores the differences and interrelations between the different types of order which Rousseau describes, and shows how the philosopher constructed his final doctrine of the just society, which can be based only on every citizen's voluntary and knowing acceptance of the social contract and on the promotion of virtue above ambition. The author also shows the extent of Rousseau's debt to the republican tradition, and above all to Machiavelli, and revises the image of Rousseau as a disciple of the natural-law school.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  • Publish Date: Feb 13rd, 2003
  • Pages: 256
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.98in - 6.10in - 0.63in - 0.85lb
  • EAN: 9780521531382
  • Categories: History & Theory - General

More books by Maurizio Viroli

Book Cover for: The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli
Book Cover for: Niccolo's Smile: A Biography of Machiavelli, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: From Politics to Reason of State: The Acquisition and Transformation of the Language of Politics 1250-1600, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: Machiavelli's God, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: Redeeming the Prince: The Meaning of Machiavelli's Masterpiece, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: How to Choose a Leader: Machiavelli's Advice to Citizens, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: The Idea of the Republic, Norberto Bobbio
Book Cover for: Prophetic Times: Visions of Emancipation in the History of Italy, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: For Love of Country, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: For Love of Country: An Essay on Patriotism and Nationalism, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: As If God Existed: Religion and Liberty in the History of Italy, Maurizio Viroli
Book Cover for: The Liberty of Servants: Berlusconi's Italy, Maurizio Viroli