Dreaming of Justice, Waking to Wisdom: Rousseau's Philosophic Life

Rousseau defended the philosophic life as the most natural and best of lives, arguing that it is an ideal life that overcomes the ordinary moral consciousness in favor of the cognitivist view of morality. Laurence D. Cooper's book "Dreaming of Justice, Waking to Wisdom" provides insight into Rousseau's understanding and embrace of the philosophic life, proving him to be a kind of latter-day Socratic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Dreaming of Justice,Waking to Wisdom, a captivating exploration by Laurence D. Cooper, delves into the enigmatic realm of Rousseau's thought, unveiling a remarkable perspective that has largely remained concealed from the eyes of readers. Despite his critical assessment of philosophy for its detrimental impact on both natural goodness and civic virtue, Cooper argues that Rousseau held the philosophic life as an ideal. Within the pages of this insightful book, Cooper skillfully unravels Rousseau's vivid portrayal of the philosophic life, presenting a compelling case for it as the most natural, liberated, and, in essence, the best or most choice-worthy of lives.

Cooper's focus is particularly directed toward a singular aspect, which he argues is the defining characteristic of the philosophic life: the triumph of the cognitivist view of morality over the ordinary moral consciousness. Through meticulous analysis, Cooper demonstrates how Rousseau, with his unique understanding and embrace of the philosophic life, emerges as a modern-day Socratic figure. This thought-provoking work offers a profound insight into Rousseau's philosophical legacy, leaving readers with a deeper appreciation of his profound ideas and their enduring relevance.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226824994