Rousseau & Revolutionary France

Rousseau Genevan Philosopher, writer, composer Philosophy influenced the French Revolution Famous Writings: Discourse on the Origin of Inequality & On the Social Contract Was a Philosophe: Public intellectuals who, during the Enlightenment, were devoted to understanding and solving the problems of the world.

Jacobin Club Most influential political club in the development of the French Revolution. “Jacobin” = radical, left wing, revolutionary Aided in the implementation of the Reign of Terror

Robespierre French lawyer and politician who influenced the French Revolution. Was influenced by Rousseau (and Montesquieu) Positions: Against death penalty, for abolition of slavery, universal suffrage, equal rights, opposed war. Instrumental during the Reign of Terror

Reign of Terror 5 September 1793 – 28 July 1794 Period of violence during the French Revolution Rival between political factions: The Girondins (end monarch, against revolution) and the Jacobins * Mass executions of “enemies of the revolution” – many by guillotine.

The Pantheon Building in Latin Quarter, Paris Contains remains of distinguished French Citizens Although he was first met with outrage and censorship, Rousseau was buried here 16 years after his death, eventually being hailed as a national hero in France.

Encyclopedie was a general encyclopedia published in France between 1751 and 1772, with later supplements, revised editions, and translations.encyclopedia It was edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert. Denis DiderotJean le Rond d'Alembert is famous above all for representing the thought of the Enlightenment.Enlightenment According to Denis Diderot in the article "Encyclopédie", the Encyclopédie's aim was "to change the way people think". Was meant as a compilation and public dissemination of “all the world’s knowledge ” Rousseau contributed to the publication.

Emile By Rousseau, written in 1762 A treatise on the nature of education & on the nature of man Was banned in 1762, but during the Revolution, it became a model for education. Starts by dealing with the concept of innate human goodness: “Everything is good as it leaves the hands of the Author of things; everything degenerates in the hands of man.” Serves as a way for the “natural man” as presented in his “Social Contract” can survive in a corrupt society. His education methods can be considered a precursor to the modern Montessori method. He outlines differences between men and women and on educating them. This was the source of much controversy; Mary Wollstonecraft famously responded to Rousseau’s claims. [More on this next time.]

“Of the Social Contract” 1762 Theory of best way to set up a political community. “MAN IS BORN FREE, BUT HE IS EVERYWHERE IN CHAINS”

Terminology THE SOVEREIGN: Works for the GREATER COMMON GOOD and is a “general grouping of citizens” ASSEMBLIES: people must meet regularly to exercise their sovereignty. Against REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. DEATH PENALTY: Results if social contract is broken. TRIBUNATE: Elected mediator between government & sovereign We are each part of a bigger, indivisible whole.