Jean-Jacques Rousseau The ethics of virtue Beau Baxter Rosser

A Brief History Born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1712 Considered an Enlightenment thinker Most of his writings were banned before or right as they were coming out Possibly invented the autobiography with his book Reveries of a Solitary Walker, which he started in 1776 and was unfinished by the time of his death in 1778 His works inevitably influenced many people, including Immanuel Kant

“Man was/is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.” The Natural Man “Man was/is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.” 1766 portrait by Allan Ramsay

The Virtuous Man What is virtue? The virtuous person is not disturbed by the superficial opinions of others and conducts himself with rugged, almost brutal, honesty.

The Virtuous Man In regards to people: People are good in nature, but forever corrupted once they have left that state and live in a community with others.

The Virtuous Man Universal ethical egoism: each person ought to act in his or her own self-interest Psychologism egoism : - all human motivation is ultimately selfish or egoistic

Savage Man Vs. Civilized Man Lives a life being virtuous to himself Civilized Man: - A civilized person goes against the savage instinct, and therefore not virtuous

The Virtuous Man In regards to his Discourse on Political Economy: Make sure that all private wills are related to the general will; virtue is only the conformity of the private will to the general will This idea of virtue goes hand and hand with Kant’s view.

So what is Rousseau’s stance on Virtue Ethics?