In this superb introduction, Nicholas Dent covers the whole of Rousseau's thought. Beginning with a helpful overview of Rousseau's life and works, he introduces and assesses Rousseau's central ideas and arguments. These include the corruption of modern civilization, the state of nature, his famous theories of
amour de soi
and
amour propre
, education, and his famous work
Emile
. He gives particular attention to Rousseau's theories of democracy and freedom found in his most celebrated work,
The Social Contract
, and explains what Rousseau meant by the 'general will'.