Rousseau on Inequality

Leo Damrosch, a leading expert on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, delves into Rousseau's Discourse on Inequality. He discusses how Rousseau critiques civilization's corrupting influence and outlines the historical progression toward societal inequality. Damrosch contrasts Rousseau's views on humanity with those of Hobbes, focusing on the shift from communal living to a society defined by wealth disparity. The conversation also touches on the artificial structures of modern existence and the need for authenticity in a world shaped by inequality.