Justice and Difference in the Works of Rousseau: Bienfaisance and Pudeur

by Judith Still

Overview

According to Rousseau, the best possible relationship between unequals is one of "benificence." This book addresses the problem implicit in his writings of whether it is indeed possible for a just and generous relationship to exist between non-equals. Judith Still draws together issues in Rousseau's work that are often treated in isolation: the state, just relations between individuals, sexual politics and the constructing of a feminine identity. Using techniques of reading drawn from literary theory, she argues that for Rousseau, it is sexual difference that disturbs the practice of benificence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521415859
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/28/1993
Series:	Cambridge Studies in French , #39
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; A preliminary note on vocabulary and conventions; Introduction; 1. The problem: the intersection of beneficence and pudicity; 2. The code of beneficence; 3. The practice of beneficence and model benefactors in the major works; 4. The passion of pity in Rousseau's theory of man; 5. Gyges' ring: A reading of Rousseau's 6e Promenade; 6. Pudicity in some of Rousseau's minor writings: its relationship to beneficence; Conclusion; Appendix. Generosity and pudicity in Gyges und sein Ring and Le Roi Candaule; Notes; Bibliography; Index.