Justice and Difference in the Works of Rousseau
Bienfaisance and Pudeur

In this 1993 book, Dr Still draws on literary theory to examine Rousseau's ideas about the individual and human relationships.

Judith Still (Author)

9780521415859, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 January 1993

280 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.5 kg

According to Rousseau, the best relationship between unequals is one of 'benificence', giving, receiving and repaying benefits. This 1993 book addresses the problem implicit in his writings of whether it is indeed possible for a just and generous relationship to exist between non-equals. Judith Still draws together issues in Rousseau's work which are often treated in isolation: the state, just relations between individuals, sexual politics and the constructing of a feminine identity. She analyses his works, his classical sources, and the conceptual underpinnings of his ethics, crossing the boundary between study of Rousseau as a complex and sensitive writer of fiction and autobiography and consideration of his political and ethical theory. Using techniques of reading drawn from literary theory, particularly from the work of Derrida, de Man and Starobinski, she argues that for Rousseau it is sexual difference which disturbs the practice of benificence.

Acknowledgements
A preliminary note on vocabulary and conventions
Introduction
1. The problem: the intersection of beneficence and pudicity
2. The code of beneficence
3. The practice of beneficence and model benefactors in the major works
4. The passion of pity in Rousseau's theory of man
5. Gyges' ring: A reading of Rousseau's 6e Promenade
6. Pudicity in some of Rousseau's minor writings: its relationship to beneficence
Conclusion
Appendix. Generosity and pudicity in Gyges und sein Ring and Le Roi Candaule
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: c 1500 to c 1800 [DSBD]