augustine and rousseau
Philosophy
“Justice removed, then, what are kingdoms but great bands of robbers? What are bands of robbers themselves but little kingdoms?” (Augustine)
“The first man who, having enclosed a piece of land, thought of saying “This is mine‟ and found people simple enough to believe him, was the true founder of civil society‟ (Rousseau).
Discuss with reference to both Rousseau and Augustine. Are they using political theory to simply justify power as it exists, or are they making a different argument? What is distinct in their philosophical questions, approaches, and potential answers? Conclude by examining why their differences matter for the way we conceive of the proper role of society and our own roles within it.
