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Jean-Jacques Rousseau Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Life, Philosophy, and Influence

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Life, Philosophy, and Influence Study Guide

Biographical Sketch and Early Life

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva on June 28, 1712, a fact noted in biographical accounts of his life.

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Rousseau's father was a watchmaker, a profession he held in high regard.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau's father was indeed a watchmaker, a profession that Rousseau esteemed, contrasting it with the arbitrary valuations often placed upon the work of 'artists'.

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Rousseau's mother died nine days after his birth due to complications from childbirth.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau's mother, Suzanne Bernard Rousseau, succumbed to puerperal fever nine days following his birth on June 28, 1712, an event Rousseau later characterized as 'the first of my misfortunes'.

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Rousseau's early reading instilled in him a cynical and pragmatic view of human life.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau's early literary consumption, particularly romances and Plutarch's 'Lives,' fostered 'bizarre and romantic notions of human life' and a 'free and republican spirit,' rather than a cynical or pragmatic outlook.

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Rousseau ran away from Geneva at age 15 after being locked out due to curfew.

Answer: True

Explanation: At the age of fifteen, Rousseau departed from Geneva, having found the city gates closed due to curfew, an event following an earlier apprenticeship.

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Françoise-Louise de Warens served as Rousseau's primary governess and tutor in classical philosophy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Françoise-Louise de Warens was instrumental in Rousseau's early adulthood, introducing him to Catholicism, becoming his lover, and serving as a patron, but she was not his primary governess or tutor in classical philosophy.

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Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and what was his primary field of influence?

Answer: A Genevan philosopher whose political philosophy influenced the Enlightenment and French Revolution.

Explanation: Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy profoundly influenced the Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the development of modern political, economic, and educational thought.

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In which city-state was Jean-Jacques Rousseau born?

Answer: Geneva

Explanation: Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva, which was then a city-state and an associate of the Swiss Confederacy.

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What was the primary cause of Rousseau's mother's death, according to the text?

Answer: Puerperal fever nine days after his birth.

Explanation: Rousseau's mother, Suzanne Bernard Rousseau, died from puerperal fever nine days after his birth on June 28, 1712.

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What role did Françoise-Louise de Warens play in Rousseau's early adulthood?

Answer: She introduced him to Catholicism, became his lover, and patron.

Explanation: Françoise-Louise de Warens was a significant figure in Rousseau's early adulthood; she facilitated his conversion to Catholicism and subsequently became his lover and patron, providing him with support and lodging.

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Core Philosophical Concepts

Contrary to Thomas Hobbes, Rousseau believed that humans in the state of nature were inherently wicked and selfish.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau posited that humans in the state of nature were inherently good, possessing 'uncorrupted morals,' a view diametrically opposed to Hobbes's conception of natural man as inherently wicked.

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Rousseau identified 'amour de soi' (self-preservation) and 'pitié' (empathy) as fundamental human traits shared with animals.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau identified 'amour de soi' (self-preservation) and 'pitié' (empathy for fellow beings) as foundational instincts present in humans and animals alike, preceding the development of reason and complex society.

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Rousseau believed the development of private property and metallurgy were key factors in the rise of social inequality.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau argued that the advent of private property, coupled with advancements in metallurgy and agriculture, precipitated increased dependency, social stratification, and ultimately, profound inequality among humans.

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Rousseau believed the 'savage' stage was the optimal point of human development, superior to both animalistic existence and advanced civilization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau considered the 'savage' stage of human existence, situated between the 'stupidity of brutes' and the corrupting influences of advanced civilization, as the optimal point of development.

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Rousseau believed human nature was fundamentally good and morally simple, but became corrupted by society.

Answer: True

Explanation: A central tenet of Rousseau's philosophy is that human nature is inherently good and morally uncomplicated, but becomes corrupted and depraved through the influences and institutions of society.

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How did Rousseau's view on human nature differ from Thomas Hobbes?

Answer: Uncorrupted morals and inherent goodness.

Explanation: Rousseau posited that humans in the state of nature were inherently good, possessing 'uncorrupted morals,' a view diametrically opposed to Hobbes's conception of natural man as inherently wicked.

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What did Rousseau identify as the two primary traits humans share with animals, preceding reason?

Answer: Amour de soi (self-preservation) and pitié (empathy)

Explanation: Rousseau identified 'amour de soi' (self-preservation) and 'pitié' (empathy for fellow beings) as foundational instincts present in humans and animals alike, preceding the development of reason and complex society.

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According to Rousseau, what caused the transition from the state of nature to civil society and inequality?

Answer: The development of agriculture, metallurgy, and private property.

Explanation: Rousseau argued that the advent of private property, coupled with advancements in metallurgy and agriculture, precipitated increased dependency, social stratification, and ultimately, profound inequality among humans.

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Rousseau believed the optimal stage of human development was the:

Answer: Stage of 'savages', between animalistic and enlightened states.

Explanation: Rousseau considered the 'savage' stage of human existence, situated between the 'stupidity of brutes' and the corrupting influences of advanced civilization, as the optimal point of development.

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Major Political and Social Works

Rousseau's 'Discourse on the Arts and Sciences' argued that the development of arts and sciences had corrupted human morals.

Answer: True

Explanation: In his seminal 'Discourse on the Arts and Sciences' (1750), Rousseau contended that the progress of arts and sciences had led to the moral degradation of humanity, rather than its purification.

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The core principle of Rousseau's 'The Social Contract' is that legitimate political order arises from the general will of the people.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau's seminal work, 'The Social Contract,' posits that a legitimate political order is founded upon the 'general will' of the populace, representing the collective interest and guiding the state toward the common good.

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Rousseau's concept of the 'general will' represents the sum of all individual, private interests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau's 'general will' signifies the collective will of the citizenry oriented towards the common interest, distinct from and often opposed to the sum of individual, private interests.

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Rousseau opposed direct democracy, favoring representative government where citizens elect officials.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau was a proponent of direct democracy, arguing against representative assemblies and favoring citizen participation in governance, as exemplified by the city-state model of Geneva.

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Rousseau argued that the state should ensure individual freedom by allowing citizens to be governed by the arbitrary whims of powerful individuals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau contended that individual freedom within civil society is best secured by citizens submitting to the 'general will,' which prevents subordination to arbitrary individual authority and ensures adherence to collectively created laws.

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Which of the following foundational works by Rousseau argues that private property is the source of inequality?

Answer: Discourse on Inequality

Explanation: Rousseau's 'Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men' (commonly known as 'Discourse on Inequality') posits that the establishment of private property was a primary catalyst for social inequality.

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What argument did Rousseau make in his 'Discourse on the Arts and Sciences'?

Answer: Arts and sciences had led to the moral degradation of humanity.

Explanation: In his 'Discourse on the Arts and Sciences' (1750), Rousseau contended that the progress of arts and sciences had led to the moral degradation of humanity, rather than its purification.

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What is the 'general will' as described in Rousseau's political theory?

Answer: The collective will of society representing the common interest.

Explanation: According to Rousseau's political theory, the 'general will' signifies the collective will of the citizenry, oriented towards the common interest and public good, distinct from the sum of individual, private interests.

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Rousseau's 'Discourse on Political Economy' was significant because it:

Answer: Was published in Diderot's 'Encyclopédie' and sketched ideas for 'The Social Contract'.

Explanation: Published in 1755 within Diderot's 'Encyclopédie,' Rousseau's 'Discourse on Political Economy' outlined foundational concepts that he later elaborated upon in 'The Social Contract,' exploring principles for a just political system.

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What was Rousseau's stance on representative government versus direct democracy?

Answer: He opposed representative assemblies, favoring direct democracy.

Explanation: Rousseau was a proponent of direct democracy, arguing against representative assemblies and favoring citizen participation in governance, as exemplified by the city-state model of Geneva.

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Educational Philosophy

In 'Émile, or On Education', Rousseau advocated for a rigid, state-controlled curriculum focused on discipline.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to advocating for a rigid curriculum, Rousseau's 'Émile, or On Education' champions a naturalistic approach to child-rearing, emphasizing individual development and learning through experience.

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Rousseau believed mothers should delegate the primary responsibility of breastfeeding and early education to hired caregivers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau strongly advocated for mothers to personally breastfeed their children and assume direct responsibility for early education, viewing this maternal role as crucial for both the child's development and the family's moral structure.

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Rousseau's ideas on education influenced later pedagogical theories by emphasizing child-centered learning and naturalistic approaches.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rousseau's pedagogical theories, particularly his emphasis on child-centered learning and naturalistic development, profoundly influenced subsequent educational thinkers and practices.

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What is the central theme of Rousseau's educational treatise, 'Émile, or On Education'?

Answer: The place of the individual within society and a naturalistic approach to child-rearing.

Explanation: Rousseau's 'Émile, or On Education' centers on the concept of naturalistic child-rearing, emphasizing the individual's development within society and advocating for an educational process aligned with natural stages and inclinations.

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What was Rousseau's view on the role of mothers in early childhood education?

Answer: Mothers should breastfeed and take responsibility for early education.

Explanation: Rousseau strongly advocated for mothers to personally breastfeed their children and assume direct responsibility for early education, viewing this maternal role as crucial for both the child's development and the family's moral structure.

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How did Rousseau's ideas on education influence later pedagogical theories?

Answer: By promoting child-centered learning and naturalistic approaches.

Explanation: Rousseau's pedagogical theories, particularly his emphasis on child-centered learning and naturalistic development, profoundly influenced subsequent educational thinkers and practices, including figures like Pestalozzi and Montessori.

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Literary and Autobiographical Works

Rousseau's novel 'Julie, or the New Heloise' was a foundational work for the development of preromanticism and romanticism in fiction.

Answer: True

Explanation: Published in 1761, Rousseau's novel 'Julie, or the New Heloise' is recognized as a pivotal text in the evolution of preromanticism and Romanticism within the literary landscape.

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Rousseau's autobiographical work 'Confessions' is considered a pioneering work in the genre of modern autobiography.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Confessions,' Rousseau's introspective autobiographical narrative, is widely regarded as a seminal work that initiated the genre of modern autobiography, characterized by its profound exploration of subjectivity.

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Rousseau's novel 'Julie, ou la nouvelle Héloïse' is suggested to have influenced the 19th-century craze for Alpine scenery.

Answer: True

Explanation: The novel 'Julie, ou la nouvelle Héloïse,' with its vivid descriptions of the Swiss landscape, is considered to have contributed to the burgeoning public fascination with Alpine scenery in the subsequent century.

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The 'Essay on the Origin of Languages', published posthumously, explored the development of language and its link to human passions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Essay on the Origin of Languages,' published posthumously, delves into the evolution of language, connecting its emergence to fundamental human passions and social necessities.

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Rousseau's novel 'Julie, or the New Heloise' is noted for its influence on which literary movements?

Answer: Preromanticism and Romanticism

Explanation: The novel 'Julie, or the New Heloise' is recognized for its significant contribution to the development of preromanticism and Romanticism, influencing literary sensibilities with its emotional depth and focus on nature.

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Rousseau's autobiographical work 'Confessions' is significant for initiating what literary form?

Answer: The modern autobiography

Explanation: The 'Confessions,' Rousseau's introspective autobiographical narrative, is widely regarded as a seminal work that initiated the genre of modern autobiography, characterized by its profound exploration of subjectivity.

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Rousseau's novel 'Julie, ou la nouvelle Héloïse' is suggested to have influenced what cultural phenomenon?

Answer: The 19th-century craze for Alpine scenery.

Explanation: The novel 'Julie, ou la nouvelle Héloïse,' with its vivid descriptions of the Swiss landscape, is considered to have contributed to the burgeoning public fascination with Alpine scenery in the subsequent century.

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Musical Contributions and Controversies

In 1742, Rousseau presented a new system of musical notation designed for typographical compatibility to the Académie des Sciences in Paris.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1742, Rousseau submitted a novel system of musical notation, optimized for typographical reproduction, to the Académie des Sciences in Paris.

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During the 'Querelle des Bouffons', Rousseau championed French musical traditions over Italian ones.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 'Querelle des Bouffons,' Rousseau was a fervent advocate for Italian musical traditions, particularly emphasizing the primacy of melody over harmony, in contrast to prevailing French styles.

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During the 'Querelle des Bouffons', Rousseau argued in favor of which musical principle?

Answer: Melody should take priority over harmony.

Explanation: In the 'Querelle des Bouffons,' Rousseau was a fervent advocate for Italian musical traditions, particularly emphasizing the primacy of melody over harmony, in contrast to prevailing French styles.

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Later Life, Exile, and Intellectual Legacy

Rousseau's time as secretary in Venice led him to develop a strong preference for French opera.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rousseau's tenure as secretary in Venice (1743-1744) fostered a profound appreciation for Italian music, particularly opera, which he championed throughout his life.

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Rousseau turned down a pension offered by King Louis XV after his opera pleased the court.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the favorable reception of his opera 'Le devin du village' by King Louis XV in 1752, Rousseau declined the offered lifelong pension, thereby gaining considerable notoriety.

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The publication of 'Émile' and 'The Social Contract' in 1762 led to Rousseau being celebrated and honored in Geneva.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publication of 'Émile' and 'The Social Contract' in 1762 resulted in condemnation by authorities and an arrest warrant in France, compelling Rousseau to flee and face persecution rather than celebration in Geneva.

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Frederick the Great offered Rousseau financial aid and proposed building him a hermitage during his period of persecution.

Answer: True

Explanation: During Rousseau's period of persecution, Frederick the Great extended an offer of support, including financial assistance and the suggestion of constructing a hermitage for him.

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Rousseau's quarrel with David Hume was primarily caused by a direct philosophical disagreement on the nature of knowledge.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dispute between Rousseau and David Hume was largely fueled by misunderstandings, paranoia on Rousseau's part, and perceived betrayals, rather than a direct philosophical divergence on epistemology.

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What was Rousseau's reaction to the pension offer from King Louis XV after his opera pleased the court?

Answer: He turned it down, gaining notoriety.

Explanation: Following the favorable reception of his opera 'Le devin du village' by King Louis XV in 1752, Rousseau declined the offered lifelong pension, thereby gaining considerable notoriety.

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What was the immediate consequence of publishing 'Émile' and 'The Social Contract' in 1762?

Answer: Authorities issued an arrest order and condemned the books, forcing Rousseau to flee.

Explanation: The publication of 'Émile' and 'The Social Contract' in 1762 resulted in condemnation by authorities and an arrest warrant in France, compelling Rousseau to flee and face persecution rather than celebration in Geneva.

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How did Frederick the Great offer support to Rousseau when he was facing persecution?

Answer: By offering financial aid and suggesting a hermitage.

Explanation: During Rousseau's period of persecution, Frederick the Great extended an offer of support, including financial assistance and the suggestion of constructing a hermitage for him.

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The quarrel between Rousseau and David Hume was exacerbated by which factor?

Answer: Hume lodging with Rousseau's enemy and Rousseau's paranoia.

Explanation: The dispute between Rousseau and David Hume was largely fueled by misunderstandings, paranoia on Rousseau's part, and perceived betrayals, including Hume lodging with Rousseau's antagonist, rather than a direct philosophical divergence.

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