Jean-Jacques Rousseau was one of the most engaging yet enigmatic philosophers of the eighteenth century. He wrote with flair and directness unique among great thinkers, yet beneath the surface of his works there is an extraordinary complex theory of human nature and society. His diverse body of writing often leaves students struggling to find a coherent philosophical outlook.
'Rousseau: A Guide for the Perplexed' is a clear and thorough account of Rousseau's major works and ideas, providing an ideal guide to the complicated thought of this key philosopher. The book covers the whole range of Rousseau's life and work, offering a detailed view of his landmark philosophical texts, including 'The Social Contract and Emile', together with examination of his influential contribution to the social sciences. The book provides a cogent and reliable survey of the famous paradoxes in his philosophy and shows how they fit together into a coherent and important theory of culture and politics. This book is the ideal companion to the study of this most influential and challenging philosopher.
