Three conversations connect Rousseau’s life and self-examination with the problems of inequality, political freedom and education. Start with Samuel Woodall’s solo introduction, then join Samuel and Jack Thomson for the discussions of society and Émile.
Three episodes · Listen in order
Durations below are for the Buzzsprout audio recordings (minutes:seconds). Video runtimes may differ.
1. Who Was Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Why Did He Turn Against Civilisation?
Audio: 20:09
Rousseau’s life, the Confessions and his critique of civilisation.
Listen to episode 1 · Watch episode 1
Episode notes and readings · Read the companion essay · Join the discussion
2. Can Society Make Us Free Again?
Audio: 25:11
Inequality, dependence, the social contract and the general will.
Listen to episode 2 · Watch episode 2
Episode notes and readings · Read the companion essay · Join the discussion
3. Can Education Save Us from Society?
Audio: 21:55
Émile, the tutor’s control, Sophie and the limits of education for independence.
Listen to episode 3 · Watch episode 3
Episode notes and readings · Read the companion essay · Join the discussion
Continue exploring
The companion essays develop the arguments at The Intellectual Historian. The Reading Club welcomes short responses to a passage or question; you do not need to finish the whole series to contribute.
