| This work will explore in three sections how theorist Jean Jacques Rousseau's religious perspective permeated his political thought. Initially, his viewpoints will be reviewed in light of available literature on his work. Second, using his own work and observational commentary about him, I will develop a biographical sketch of his life and times, as well as his character and religious beliefs. Finally, I will analyze A Discourse on Inequality and the Social Contract as the culmination of the ideals uncovered in the above texts. I will argue that Rousseau's misinterpretation and denunciation of key components of Christianity are reflected in numerous workability issues with the Social Contract itself, particularly in the function of the general versus the private will of the people. Problematic issues such as Rousseau's envisioned "civil religion" and the role of the "great legislator" will also be explored. |
