Men and Citizens: A Study of Rousseau's Social Theory

by Judith N. Shklar

Overview

This book, first published in 1969, is widely regarded as one of the best studies of Rousseau's thought in any language. In it, Professor Shklar examines Rousseau's central concern: given that modern civilisation is intolerable and a return to the state of nature impossible, how is man to arrange his existence in society? Shklar organises the study around Rousseau's two conceptions of Utopia: the Spartan city and the autonomous family group. She emphasises the importance for Rousseau of psychological factors and shows how, when mediated through his images of authority and use of metaphor, they bring him to his notorious view that man is 'everywhere in chains'. In Shklar's view, Rousseau's conclusion is almost equally pessimistic: the chances are very remote that we can overcome the psychological obstacles to become both men and citizens.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521316408
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/18/1985
Series:	Cambridge Studies in the History and Theory of Politics
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.59(d)

Table of Contents

Preface to the 1985 edition; Preface to the first edition; List of abbreviated works; 1. Two journeys to utopia; 2. Moral psychology; 3. The empire of opinion; 4. Images of authority; 5. 'One nation, indivisible …'; 6. Postscript: considering Rousseau; Appendix: A brief summary of the Nouvelle Heloise and Emile et Sophie ou les Solitaires; Index.

Editorial Reviews

' … both original and stimulating … solidly constructed and marked by a truly impressive grasp of Rousseau's elusive thought … The excellence of this book is undeniable … deserves the widest possible attention.' The American Historical Review

From the Publisher