Johnathan Bi Rousseau's First Discourse: Science & Art Are Poisoning You
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Jun 15, 2024 Exploring Rousseau's critique on the negative impacts of science and art, the corruption and division in Christianity, his views on enlightenment, governance, wealth, power, and the relevance of science and heroes in the modern world.
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Central Thesis of Rousseau's Discourse
- Rousseau's "Discourse on the Arts and Sciences" challenges the idea that progress is inherently good.
- It argues that advancements corrupt our souls.
Historical Examples of Corruption
- Egypt, Greece, and Rome, all known for advancements, ultimately fell under foreign rule.
- Rousseau uses this to illustrate the corrupting influence of enlightenment.
Self-Interest and Enlightenment
- Intellectuals, driven by self-interest, often use reason to justify their actions and those of their faction.
- This can lead to the corruption of enlightenment ideals.