Kant Vs Rousseau Essay

Rousseau contemplates many of the problems in society. He draws reflection to the past of humans and tries to find an understanding of how the time of savages was much more tranquil. He reminisces to the time where there was acute awareness of, and regard for, oneself in relation to others, being before humanity. He compares savages to the present human society. Using contrasting ideas about the methods of survival, in the past, to human’s desires of the present, he emphasizes how life was much more simple and peaceful during the time of the savage. Rousseau focusses his views on reason, enlightenment, and natural laws in order to show how hostility has grown since the growth of civilization. He uses these views to provide an explanation of how he feels why we must revert back to nature to solve current problems of our existence. Drawing back to the past, Rousseau explains how the “savage” man cares only for his survival, while civilized man cares deeply about what others

As Rousseau seems to be further more disgusted with human society, he feels that the savage life is more attracting. Kant suggests an entirely different view. Although he agrees with the problems Rousseau finds in our current state, he feels that society is much more intriguing and full of room for growth. Human beings, unlike savage men, have the capacity for reasoning, and possess emotions that paint a world full of intellect. He believes that we can work toward an ultimate goal that will be much more desirable than living in nature. This goal emphasizes the idea of “a civil society based on rights that maximizes the freedom of all individuals insofar as the freedom of each individual is compatible with the freedom of all”, federation of peoples, and an end to war. Along with the constant growing and seeking of knowledge, he feels this goal is much more desirable than reverting back to the state of