1. Why does Rousseau claim that leaving the state of nature makes both animals and humans weak and dependent? Why is the state of nature strengthening for humans according to Rousseau?

1. What's the fundamental question that Rousseau is inquiring into in this work?

1. Explain the difference between the ways Hobbes characterizes the state of nature versus the way Rousseau conceives of it. What did Hobbes fail to see according to Rousseau?

1. Why does Rousseau claim that compassion is more an attribute of man in the state of nature than in civilization?

1. How does Rousseau view the development of reason in humans? How are his views unusual in contrast to many of the philosophers we've read?

1. Why does Rousseau claim that man in the state of nature is closer to a state of equality than civilized man? Explain this quote: "So much more does the ignorance of vice profit the one sort than the knowledge of virtue the other"(436, Notes).

1. Why is Rousseau such an advocate for self-sufficiency and independence and avoiding dependency on others for one's survival? Why is dependency on others a pathway to civilization and ultimately a lack of freedom according to Rousseau?

1. Who did Rousseau see as the first founder or prompter of civil society? Why?

1. Explain Rousseau's view of romantic love. Why is he against it?

1. List some of the reasons Rousseau cites for the creation of early human communities. How did language form and interdependence?

1. Explain Rousseau's view on the increasing socializing amongst early humans. What were some of the negative side effects of this sociability?

1. From where does Rousseau claim the need for law and rules arise for humans? Why don't people in a state of nature require rules and laws?

1. Why does the arising of time for leisure and luxury give rise to great evils, according to Rousseau, in human communities? Explain Rousseau's view of private property.

1. What does Rousseau mean when he stated: ". . .it was iron and corn, which first civilized men, and ruined humanity"

1. Explain the origins of inequality between humans according to Rousseau. Why does the formation of civilization amplify inequality rather than lessen it (which is the opposite view of many Enlightenment thinkers)? Why can Rousseau be viewed as a somewhat unconventional thinker? In what ways does his thinking run counter to much of Enlightenment thinking?