Question

Rousseau is perhaps best known for his work in which two areas? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

1 is the correct answer 

Answer 2

Answer:

3. The social contract

4. Empiricism

Explanation:

Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a French philosopher born in Swiss and his philosophy had great influence on the French and American Revolution. His most influential political work was the Social Contract which promoted the ideal of a more egalitarian republicanism.

Jean Jacques Rousseau was born on 28 June 1712, in Geneva. Geneva was a Calvinist city-state ruled, in theory, by democracy, but factually by a small number of wealthy families. Rousseau was thus exposed to the tensions between different ideas for a model city-state, being Geneva a model for an ideal state.

He also stated all religions were equal in that they promoted virtue if practiced properly.  This set the basis for his empiricism and was highly controversial in the religious climate of the time  - he was banned in Paris and Geneva and warrants were issued for his arrest. As a result, Rousseau fled to Switzerland, but the Swiss authorities stated he was unwelcome too. Voltaire invited Rousseau despite their differences because Voltaire admired the courage of Rousseau in writing anti-clerical passages. His works being often banned all around Europe, he had to seek exile in different countries and finally died in Paris.