Rousseau and Voltaire: Key Concepts

The transcript explores the complex relationship between Voltaire and Rousseau, marked by initial admiration and collaboration, followed by conflict and public disputes. They shared Enlightenment ideals and critiqued social institutions but differed in their philosophical approaches. Rousseau's emotionally driven nature clashed with Voltaire's rationalism, leading to tensions. Rousseau's rebuttal to Voltaire's poem on the Lisbon earthquake highlighted their differing views on disasters. Their relationship deteriorated further over debates on civilization versus the state of nature, resulting in Rousseau's withdrawal from intellectual circles.

What initiated the correspondence between Voltaire and Rousseau?

• Rousseau seeking Voltaire's opinion on his work

• Rousseau's admiration for Voltaire's poetry

• Voltaire's request for Rousseau's philosophical insights

• A mutual friend introducing them

What project did Voltaire and Rousseau collaborate on?

• Diderot's encyclopedia

• A political manifesto

• A critique of organized religion

• A novel about Enlightenment ideals

How did Rousseau respond to Voltaire's poem about the Lisbon earthquake?

• He wrote a rebuttal criticizing its pessimism

• He agreed with Voltaire's perspective

• He ignored it completely

• He praised it for its insight

What accusation did Rousseau make against Voltaire regarding his book 'The New Eloise'?

• Voltaire refused to read it

• Voltaire tried to block its publication

• Voltaire plagiarized his ideas

• Voltaire wrote a negative review

What was the main philosophical disagreement between Voltaire and Rousseau?

• The importance of emotional expression

• The role of religion in society

• The benefits of civilization versus the state of nature

• The value of scientific progress

What was Rousseau's stance on human nature in his famous polemic?

• Civilization is the pinnacle of human achievement

• All men are born free but are everywhere in chains

• Nature is a hindrance to progress

• Humans are inherently evil

How did Voltaire view Rousseau's romanticization of nature?

• He was skeptical about its benefits

• He ignored it

• He found it inspiring

• He agreed with Rousseau

What was the outcome of the correspondence between Voltaire and Rousseau?

• They became lifelong friends

• They collaborated on more projects

• It became hostile, leading to Rousseau's withdrawal

• They resolved their differences amicably

What did Rousseau believe about the state of nature?

• It was more conducive to human happiness

• It was irrelevant to modern society

• It was inferior to civilization

• It was a myth

Why did Rousseau feel besieged by Voltaire's influence?

• Voltaire had more financial resources

• Voltaire was more talented

• Voltaire had more social influence

• Voltaire was more popular among the public