Men and Citizens

A Study of Rousseau's Social Theory

Judith N Shklar author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:18th Apr '85

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Men and Citizens cover

This book, first published in 1969, is widely regarded as one of the best studies of Rousseau's thought in any language. In it, Professor Shklar examines Rousseau's central concern: given that modern civilisation is intolerable and a return to the state of nature impossible, how is man to arrange his existence in society? Shklar organises the study around Rousseau's two conceptions of Utopia: the Spartan city and the autonomous family group. She emphasises the importance for Rousseau of psychological factors and shows how, when mediated through his images of authority and use of metaphor, they bring him to his notorious view that man is 'everywhere in chains'. In Shklar's view, Rousseau's conclusion is almost equally pessimistic: the chances are very remote that we can overcome the psychological obstacles to become both men and citizens.

' … both original and stimulating … solidly constructed and marked by a truly impressive grasp of Rousseau's elusive thought … The excellence of this book is undeniable … deserves the widest possible attention.' The American Historical Review

ISBN: 9780521316408

Dimensions: 216mm x 140mm x 15mm

Weight: 350g

268 pages