Discourse 1 & 2 essays

Discourse 1 & 2 essays In Jean-Jacques Rousseaus 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 ones 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 original state of nature does not. Rousseau believes that man in the original state of nature has few needs, no idea of good or evil, and little contact with other humans. Pity and self-preservation are the two main motivational characteristics that ever human/animal possesses. In the state of nature, everything that man wants or desires is proportioned to what man needs. Since mans needs are satisfied, desire will completely vanish. For "his modest needs are so easily found at hand" and his lack of desire to become more knowledgeable leaves him without curiosity. Thus, nothing agitates his soul nor can desire override his needs. As a result, he could not be good or evil and only have complete...