The problem of egoism in Rousseau’s practical philosophy

pages: 148-162

Abstract

This paper discusses the aspects of Rousseau’s understandimg of egoism, primarily those related to his highlighting of historical dimension of the problem, including the economical reasons for establishing this practical principle as an important part of the civil reproduction of life. Among other things, it analyses the contextual connection of egoism with relevant definitions in Rousseau’s work such as human nature, natural law, general will etc. and the difference of Rousseau’s overview of this problem from other important philosophers, for example Hobbes. This paper underlines how the French philosopher, on the basis of key assumptions of his practical philosophy, points at the historical dependence and the possibility of overcoming the egoistic actions, and endeavors to pave the way to a multilateral practical unlocking of the potentials of freedom in its political, moral and legal sense. Keywords: egoism, morality, human nature, history, Rousseau, economy