Book · 2023 · Philosophy
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
Enriched edition. Unveiling the Philosophical Roots of Social Inequality and Human Nature in Enlightenment Discourse
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality by Jean-Jacques Rousseau has been mentioned in 2 episodes across 2 podcasts (0 episodes recommend it and 2 episodes discuss it), through . Most frequently brought up by Robert Evans (1 episode) and Russ Roberts (1 episode) on Behind the Bastards (1 episode) and EconTalk (1 episode).
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A couple years later, a couple decades later, Rouso was writing in the discourse on the origin and basis of inequality among men.
The best things said about it
So, what we're going to do today, uh, Leon's going to give a brief summary of Rouso's life and career, and we're going to do a close reading of a few paragraphs from his discourse on the origins and foundations of inequality among men, which is also known as the second discourse.
Why people recommend it
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a foundational 18th-century philosophical text exploring the transition of human beings from a hypothetical state of nature into civil society, arguing that private property created inequality and social vices. The book was mentioned by Robert Evans on the podcast Behind the Bastards during the July 2025 episode of It Could Happen Here Weekly 191. He referenced Rousseau writing the discourse on the origin and basis of inequality among men to contrast his philosophical perspectives with those of Thomas Hobbes. Additionally, Russ Roberts discussed the work on EconTalk during the June 2025 episode featuring Leon Kass on the wisdom of Rousseau. Roberts introduced the text, also known as the second discourse, by explaining that Kass would provide a brief summary of Rousseau's life and career to set up a close reading of selected paragraphs from the discourse on the origins and foundations of inequality among men. Both podcast appearances utilized Rousseau's discourse as a crucial historical and philosophical text to examine foundational ideas regarding human society, property, and governance.
Every mention
Robert Evans A couple years later, a couple decades later, Rouso was writing in the discourse on the origin and basis of… 1
“A couple years later, a couple decades later, Rouso was writing in the discourse on the origin and basis of inequality among men.”
Russ Roberts So, what we're going to do today, uh, Leon's going to give a brief summary of Rouso's life and career, and… 1
“So, what we're going to do today, uh, Leon's going to give a brief summary of Rouso's life and career, and we're going to do a close reading of a few paragraphs from his discourse on the origins and foundations of inequality among men, which is also known as the second discourse.”