Primal Philosophy: Rousseau with Laplanche

Primal Philosophy: Rousseau with Laplanche explores Rousseau's idea of philosophy and the philosopher's responsibility, placing him in a contemporary debate with Adorno and Badiou on the future of philosophy after Heidegger. It argues that philosophy is rooted in a process of primal seduction and that the philosopher's primary responsibility is to promote human happiness through the possibility of philosophy itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Primal Philosophy: Rousseau with Laplanche presents the first comprehensive study of Rousseau's thought on the possibility of philosophy and the responsibility of the philosopher. Through a close reading of texts from throughout Rousseau's entire corpus, together with inspiration from Jean Laplanche's seminal work on the Freudian theory of seduction, this book positions Rousseau within a contemporary debate involving Theodor Adorno and Alain Badiou on the fate of philosophy after Heidegger. In confrontation with the radical subordination of ethics to ontology, which is characteristic of Cartesian thought and its culmination in Heidegger's philosophical legacy, the reading of Rousseau with Laplanche elaborates the rootedness of philosophy in a process of primal seduction, which opens a way to rethink the meaning of a genuine first philosophy, not as the study of being qua being in the tradition initiated by Aristotle, but as primal philosophy, the study of the genesis of philosophy itself. The rootedness of philosophy in a process of primal seduction then reveals the primal responsibility of the philosopher—a responsibility for human happiness found in the possibility of philosophy itself.

Introduction:
Primal Philosophy: Rousseau with Laplanche is a groundbreaking work that delves into the depths of Rousseau's thought, exploring the possibility of philosophy and the responsibility of the philosopher. Through a meticulous analysis of Rousseau's writings, coupled with insights from Jean Laplanche's influential work on the Freudian theory of seduction, this book positions Rousseau within a contemporary debate involving renowned philosophers such as Theodor Adorno and Alain Badiou. The book challenges the traditional subordination of ethics to ontology, prevalent in Cartesian thought and exemplified by Heidegger's philosophical legacy. By examining Rousseau's texts closely, alongside Laplanche's interpretation, the book proposes a novel perspective on philosophy, suggesting that it originates from a process of primal seduction. This revelation sheds light on the primal responsibility of the philosopher—a responsibility for human happiness that lies within the very possibility of philosophy itself.

Rootedness of Philosophy in Primal Seduction:
In the book, Rousseau with Laplanche argues that philosophy originates from a primal seduction process. This seduction, rooted in the natural desires and instincts of human beings, sets the stage for the development of philosophical inquiry. Rousseau's writings, particularly his emphasis on the importance of the "original contract" and the "state of nature," are interpreted as expressions of this primal seduction. The author suggests that Rousseau's vision of a harmonious society founded on natural law is a response to the inherent tensions and conflicts that arise from this primal seduction. Through a rereading of Rousseau's texts, the book reveals that philosophy emerges as a means to navigate the complexities of human existence, seeking to establish order.

Primal Responsibility of the Philosopher:
The primal responsibility of the philosopher, according to Rousseau with Laplanche, is to cultivate human happiness. This responsibility is not limited to the study of being qua being, as traditionally understood, but extends to the genesis of philosophy itself. The philosopher is tasked with exploring the origins. The book argues that philosophy originates from a primal seduction process. This seduction, rooted in the natural desires and instincts of human beings, sets the stage for the development of philosophical inquiry. Rousseau's writings, particularly his emphasis on the importance of the "original contract" and the "state of nature," are interpreted as expressions of this primal seduction. The author suggests that Rousseau's vision of a harmonious society founded on natural law is a response to the inherent tensions and conflicts that arise from this primal seduction. Through a rereading of Rousseau's texts, the book reveals that philosophy emerges as a means to navigate the complexities of human existence, seeking to establish.

Contemporary Debate:
Primal Philosophy: Rousseau with Laplanche engages in a lively and thought-provoking debate with contemporary philosophers such as Theodor Adorno and Alain Badiou. The book challenges the notion that philosophy has lost its relevance in the modern world, arguing that it remains essential for understanding the human condition. Adorno and Badiou, in their respective works, explore the limitations and dangers of philosophy, particularly in the aftermath of Heidegger's influential philosophy. Rousseau with Laplanche responds to these concerns by emphasizing the primal responsibility of the philosopher and the potential for philosophy to cultivate human happiness. The book suggests that philosophy can provide a way to rethink the meaning of a genuine first philosophy, one that is not limited to the study of being qua being but encompasses the study of the genesis of philosophy itself.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Primal Philosophy: Rousseau with Laplanche is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on Rousseau's thought. Through a close reading of his texts, coupled with insights from Laplanche's work on seduction, the book positions Rousseau within a contemporary debate involving renowned philosophers. The book challenges the traditional subordination of ethics to ontology and proposes a novel understanding of philosophy as rooted in a process of primal seduction. The primal responsibility of the philosopher is emphasized, as is the potential for philosophy to cultivate human happiness. This book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion on the fate of philosophy in the modern world and offers a way.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538148396