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Discourse on the Origin and the Foundations of Inequality Among Men
- Author
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Narrator
- Neville Jason
- Publisher
- Naxos AudioBooks
- Publish Date
- 1 September 2015
- Run Time
- 5 hours 52 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Philosophy
What to expect
Critics Review
-
Rousseau’s early essay on the origins of man and society – using biology, anthropology and linguistics – is now mostly of historical interest, but Neville Jason’s skilled reading helps keep it enjoyable. His pleasant voice, distinguished-sounding accent, and somewhat rolling style – at the same time precise and conversational, intellectual but easygoing – matches Rousseau’s essayistic manner. Jason avoids becoming ponderous, moving the text fluidly but at a measured pace, which is helpful for the listener who is grappling with the ideas. He clearly understands what he’s reading and is able to give phrases and sentences their proper intonation and emphasis, which also aids the listener’s understanding. Audio may not seem the obvious choice for philosophy, but Jason’s narration makes it work.
W.M., AudioFile
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Details
- Author
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Narrator
- Neville Jason
- Duration
- 5 hours 52 minutes
- Release Date
- 1 September 2015
- ISBN
- 9781843799054
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Naxos AudioBooks
- Genre
- Philosophy
Synopsis
Rousseau’s Discourse sets out to explore the origin of inequality among people, a journey that sees him trace the evolution of humans from the savage man to the foundations of civil society. With verve and passion, the philosopher argues that the birth of private property was the ‘beginning of evil’. Throughout the book we are led to consider the progress of language, reason, self-preservation, benevolence, pity and law – all through the lens of perhaps the most original thinker of the eighteenth century.
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