Inequality in today's society serves as its defining characteristic.
Discourse on the Origin and Foundation of Inequality among Men by Jean-Jacques Rousseau provides significant insight into the issue of moral inequality among men. Despite the early unity that existed amongst men in society, the author has shown how the idea of inequality emerged. The moral discrepancy that the author demonstrates in his narration greatly aids in understanding the nature of man and the characteristics that he exhibits in society.
Regarding the idea of male inequality as a whole, the author makes a persuasive argument.
The first issue that is depicted which is of vital significance regards the issue of the emergence of a class system in a society that initially did not have such kind of groupings. For example, the author argues against the trick that is played by the rich which explains the continued state of inequality that is witnessed in the society. Indeed, the rich have been portrayed as having more interest in gaining authority over everything by the use of power that they have. In essence, wealth has become the standard of measure through men are compared. Indeed, this is true in a typical society where people are not judged by the values that they possess but rather the material possessions that they may be having. The author proceeds to reiterate the fact that money is becoming the measure of value in the society (Rousseau, 1964). Therefore, those who lack access to the money are more or less being depicted as being inferior in the society. The effect is a society that is unequal considering the emergence of people having wealth and those without.
The other crucial component that is brought regards the aspect of inequality being natural when it comes to physical differences between the men.
The author illustrates that in the modern society, this is not the case since inequality has been brought about the process of human evolution which has corrupted the nature of man (Rousseau, 1964). Indeed, man has become a slave of established laws and property which tend to advance the issue of inequality in the society. The author refutes the existence of such factors and indicates somehow man is to blame for the emergence of inequality.
Location of Argument within the Overall Framework
The primary objective of the reading is to grasp the content of the origin of inequality. Initially, the author began by illustrating how man used to live within two attributes including pity and self-preservation. Then, the concept of inequality came into existence the moment man started living together and begun forming groups. In essence, the concept of moral inequality has its origins with a man. The author further indicates that inequality is not a natural issue but is attributed to man (Rousseau, 1964). Initially, the man was happy until they started confining themselves to particular groupings. In general, moral inequality arose because of the decisions that made by man.
Discussion Questions
Is a man to blame for all the moral inequalities that are depicted in the society? If so, is he not the same to address the problem?
What other factors result in the development of inequality apart from material possessions such as money?
The author ought to address such questions to help in the understanding of the arguments presented.
Reference
Rousseau, J. J. (1964). Discourse on the origin and foundations of inequality among man. New York: St. Martins Press.
