Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Pertaining to the person, life, or biographical details of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778).
   • Characteristic of Rousseau's ideas or philosophy: Of, relating to, or characteristic of the theories, doctrines, or intellectual legacy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This often emphasizes concepts like the inherent goodness of humanity in a state of nature, the social contract, the general will, and the corrupting influence of society and institutions.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The scholar presented a Rousseauan analysis of the concept of natural freedom.
  • Her political views are deeply Rousseauan, emphasizing popular sovereignty and the general will.
  • The artist's Rousseauan idealization of rural life was evident in his paintings.

Advanced Usage

• "Rousseauan critique": A criticism based on or resembling Rousseau's ideas, often targeting artificial social conventions, inequality, or the loss of individual authenticity.

  • The film offers a powerful Rousseauan critique of modern consumer culture.

• "Rousseauan romanticism": A form of romantic thought influenced by Rousseau, particularly the valorization of emotion, nature, and the individual's inner experience over rationalism and social formalism.

  • The poet's celebration of solitary reflection in the wilderness is a hallmark of Rousseauan romanticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Rousseauian (adj): An alternative, less common spelling with the same meaning as "Rousseauan."
• Rousseauism (n): The collective doctrines, theories, or influence of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
• Rousseauist (n): An adherent or scholar of Rousseau's philosophy.

Synonyms

• Pertaining to Rousseau: None are perfect synonyms, but phrases like "derived from Rousseau" or "in the tradition of Rousseau" convey a similar relational meaning.

Related Phrases

• "Noble savage": A literary concept often associated with Rousseauan thought, depicting an idealized natural human uncorrupted by civilization.
• "Social contract": A central concept in Rousseau's political philosophy, referring to the collective agreement that forms a legitimate political society.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to or characteristic of French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)