Western Philosophy

Correct Answer: Aristotle

Jean Jacques Rousseau, the famous French philosopher, wrote this line in his seminal work 'The Social Contract' (1762). This quote encapsulates his belief that while humans are born naturally free, they become constrained by social institutions and political systems. Rousseau's philosophy greatly influenced the French Revolution and democratic thought.

Jean Jacques Rousseau was a French philosopher whose ideas about the social contract and popular sovereignty greatly influenced the French Revolution. His work The Social Contract argued that government should be based on the will of the people. Locke influenced the American Revolution, Hegel came later, and Plato was ancient Greek.

In this sentence, “or” sets up the contrast between the blank and general truths. “General truths” imply the truths by nature i.e. natural truths. Therefore, the blank must characterize the universal accepted truth. “Axiom” is an established principle or law of a science, art, etc. i.e. a proposition assumed to be true, hence it fits our prediction and is the answer. “Avowal” is an open acknowledgement or declaration, which is not contrary to general truth; hence ruled out. On the same lines, “comments” is also ruled out. “Promulgate” (to publish or make known officially - a decree, church dogma, etc) and “placard” (a notice for display in a public place; poster) implies advertisement in a broader perspective; therefore ruled out as they are off the track. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's social contract theory and ideas about popular sovereignty deeply influenced the French Revolution. His concept that political authority rests with the people and his critique of absolute monarchy resonated strongly with revolutionary leaders. While Locke influenced earlier revolutions, Rousseau's emphasis on equality and the general will was particularly relevant to 1789 France.

Rousseau, in his work 'Emile,' praised Plato's Republic as the first comprehensive treatise on education, recognizing its systematic approach to educational philosophy and state formation.

Hans Kelsen's Pure Theory of Law argues that the state exists within and is defined by the legal order, rather than being the source of law itself.

The slogan 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' was the motto of the French Revolution and represents the core principles of Rousseau's political philosophy, particularly in his work 'The Social Contract'. Rousseau emphasized popular sovereignty and the general will, making him the most directly associated thinker among the options.

Socrates is the first moral thinker in western philosophical tradition. He belonged to the Athenian republic in ancient Greece. Around this period, there were wars between persians and greeks. Athens won over persians (Spartas). The political atmosphere became poisoned in the wake of war, plague, defeat and amidst wide spread suspicions about conspiracies and treacheries against the government. It was this time that Socrates fell foul of the political rulers in athens. He was accused of corrupting the youth and of impiety towards gods. At the end of the trial, Socrates was condemned to death.

Plato, a great philosopher, was a student of Socrates for eight years. Plato was not only a great philosopher, but also a great literary genius. Plato's views on virtue are derived from Socrates. He places them within the framework of this theory of Forms or Ideas. As a result, he injects an air of mysticism into them. Plato conceives an individual's moral life as dependent on the ethical constitution of the State. Hence, any discussion of Platonic virtue cannot be separated from political ethics. Thus, he was a political thinker and a moralist.

Socrates is the first moral thinker in western philosophical tradition. He belonged to the athenian republic in ancient Greece. He was a man of modest means. In his younger days, he served in the army and acquitted himself with courage and honour. He then settled down in Athens. He spent his time in disputation and taught philosophy to the young without charging fees. He carried on his discussion in market places and other public forums. He was high minded and was indifferent to worldly success. He was a saintly character with a beautiful soul.

Plato's theory of Virtue follows the Socratic doctrine. He identifies virtue with knowledge. From this, it follows that virtue is teachable and that men can learn morality just as they can learn any other subject. Plato makes a fourfold division of morals and associates them with the different parts of the soul. The four virtues are wisdom or prudence, valour, temperance and justice.

Zeno was the founder of the Stoic School. Stoicism rejected the idealism of Plato. According to Stoicism, knowledge consists of the sense impressions which get imprinted in the mind. Mental activity is solely limited to these materials received from senses. Stoics combined their faith in knowledge as derived from senses with materialism. They denied the existence of non-material entities. Stoics place knowledge in (to use a modern phrase) what sense data reveal or in material form. They regard human soul and god as material.

Aristotle is a systematic academic philosopher. He wrote the treatise 'Nicomachean Ethics'. It is the name normally given to Aristotle's best known work on ethics. The work which plays a pre-eminent role in defining Aristotelian ethics consists of ten books, originally separate scrolls, and is understood to be based on notes from his lectures at the Lyceum, which were either edited by or dedicated to Aristotle's son, Nicomachus. Aristotle discusses the summum bonum which is the final end towards which human activity is directed. Every human act has an end or aim. But, many ends are means to other ends or ways of achieving the other ends. Finally, we reach an end which is ultimate and does not serve as means to any other end. This is Summum bonum.