Rousseau - El discurso sobre las ciencias y las artes (3/3)

Philosophy of History: Rousseau's View on Science and Vices

Introduction to Rousseau's Perspective

• Amílcar París introduces the discussion on Rousseau's views regarding the relationship between science, vices, and civilization.

• The focus is on how Rousseau critiques the role of sciences and arts in society.

Sciences and Arts as Products of Vices

• Rousseau argues that both sciences and arts are inherently flawed due to their origins in human vices.

• He claims superstition led to astronomy, suggesting astrology was a precursor to scientific inquiry about celestial bodies.

The Role of Ambition and Other Vices

• Ambition, hatred, flattery, and lies contribute to rhetoric, which Rousseau sees as a tool for manipulation rather than truth-seeking.

• Greed drives the development of geometry through financial calculations aimed at increasing wealth.

Curiosity vs. Virtue

• According to Rousseau, vain curiosity leads individuals away from moral pursuits; he criticizes this tendency by referencing Newton’s apple.

• He posits that art focuses on luxury while jurisprudence addresses injustice; history often revolves around tyrants and wars.

Contemplation vs. Observation of Vices

• Rousseau suggests that instead of contemplating vices (which are more entertaining), we should focus on patriotism and compassion for others.

The Pursuit of Truth in Science

• He discusses the pursuit of truth within science but warns that it is fraught with errors along the way.

• The scientific method involves hypothesizing followed by experimentation, where many hypotheses may be proven wrong before finding a valid one.

Consequences of Errors in Scientific Inquiry

• Rousseau emphasizes that the dangers posed by repeated errors during scientific exploration outweigh any potential benefits derived from discovering truths.

Doubts About Sincerity in Seeking Truth

• He expresses skepticism about whether anyone genuinely seeks truth or can correctly utilize it even after recognizing it.

Critique of Scientific Utility

• According to Rousseau, sciences do not improve governance or morality; they merely perpetuate vanity without enhancing human virtue or societal well-being.

Philosophy vs. Luxury

• He contrasts good customs with luxury; while philosophy might claim luxury brings splendor to states, he disagrees with this notion based on historical context.

Analysis of Russo's Critique on Luxury and Arts

The Concept of Sibaritism

• Russo describes a "sibarita" as someone who indulges excessively in pleasures such as wine and parties, suggesting a negative connotation associated with this lifestyle.

• He contrasts the values of different cultures, particularly highlighting the Spartans' respect for physicality and body culture against the backdrop of luxury.

Misogyny in Cultural Critique

• Russo argues that women's influence leads men to become cowardly, which he believes dissolves traditional customs and elevates luxury over martial virtues. This reflects a misogynistic view embedded in his argument.

• He suggests that civilized societies are in decline due to their perceived femininity, linking this decline to an abandonment of masculine values and military prowess.

Historical References and Military Virtue

• Russo references historical events, claiming that the Goths preserved Greek libraries to keep Greeks idle, implying that intellectual pursuits weaken societal vigor.

• He discusses how Charles VII easily conquered Italian territories because Italians prioritized wisdom over military strength, although he overlooks subsequent losses faced by France shortly after these victories.

The Role of Arts in Society

• According to Russo, Romans lost military virtue when they began valuing arts more than martial skills; he sees this shift as detrimental to society's strength.

• He posits that sciences and arts feminize culture rather than enhance it, arguing that education should focus on practical civic duties instead of abstract knowledge or dead languages.

Critique of Academic Institutions

• Russo warns against allowing people to study sciences and arts indiscriminately; he claims true geniuses do not require formal education or teachers for their development. This perspective is challenged by examples like Newton and Bacon who benefited from academic institutions.

• Despite criticizing academies for stifling creativity among philosophers and scientists by confining them within institutional walls, he acknowledges their role in curbing radical ideas from disrupting societal norms.

Conclusion: A Call for Practical Values

• In concluding his discourse, Russo advocates for individuals to seek personal happiness rather than envy others' accolades; he emphasizes self-reflection over external validation through scholarly achievements or honors.