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theology, religion, and the natural goodness of man
Rousseau's God offers a comprehensive interpretation of Rousseau's theological and religious writings, both in themselves and in relation to his philosophy of the natural goodness of man. John T. Scott argues that there is a complicated relationship between Rousseau's philosophy, on the one hand, and his theological and religious thought. This relationship revolves around two oppositions, first, between the attributes and psychological needs of natural man and social or moral man, second, between the criteria of truth and utility for evaluating theological and religious doctrines. In short, because the justification of nature through the natural goodness of man does not suffice for developed humans, Rousseau offers theological and religious doctrines which are less true than useful, psychologically, morally or politically.
Introduction -- Truth and utility -- The theodicy of the Discourse on inequality -- Pride and providence in the Letter to Voltaire -- Psychic unity and disunity and the need for religion -- Introduction to the "Profession of faith" -- The theological teaching of the "Profession of faith" -- The critique - and revival - of religion in the "Profession of faith" -- On civil religion -- Conclusion.
Includes bibliographical references and index.