THE BOOK
Do the arts destroy the moral fabric of society?
Should Geneva get a theater? D'Alembert said yes. Rousseau said no. A theatre would ruin the good character of the Genevan citizens, both actors and audience. In making his case, Rousseau educates us about the requirements of civic virtue, while highlighting the dangers of the arts. In an age obsessed with new forms of entertainment, Rousseau's important arguments still ring true and force us to think about about the undesirable effects of media saturation on public well-being.
Browse the topics we'll cover as we read through Rousseau's letter.
Introduction and Preface
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Rationalism and the Priesthood (I)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
The Benefits of the Theatre (II)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
The Harms of the Theatre (III)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Molière's Misanthrope (IV)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Love (V)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Actors and Audiences (VI)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Regulating the Effects of the Theatre by Law (VII)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Relying on the Moral Character of the Actors (VIII)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
The Case of Geneva: Circles and Societies (IX)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Economic and Other Effects (X)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
What is Good Public Entertainment? (XI)
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
