Abstract

The major goal of Rousseau’s Discours sur L’Origine et les Fondements de L’Inégalité Parmi les Hommes is the distinction between primary and secondary qualities of human nature, the former being the most representative of the human species and the latter those that cause variations between individuals. Having this distinction as a basic tool, Rousseau searches, in his political works, for a foundation of a social condition in conformity to those essential qualities. Therefore, it’s important to understand how human beings can keep under control the less beneficial characteristics of their nature, that is, the ones that may lead to endless conflicts when stimulated. Having in mind that the community is founded by a permanent exercise of giving priority to the essential qualities of human nature over the secondary ones, we shall also understand whether Rousseau’s community is meant to have an organizational structure, distinct from the existence of particular human beings.