In the Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Rousseau argues that in the original state of nature human life is a life of equality, freedom, peace, and happiness. Explain Rousseau’s arguments for this claim: what does Rousseau mean by the term ‘state of nature’? How does he claim to know about the state of nature? According to Rousseau, why is there no inequality, dependence, war, and misery in that state? Briefly discuss to what extent you find Rousseau’s arguments convincing. (You may limit this discussion to one of the claims made by Rousseau, e.g. the claim that the state of nature is peaceful.)
