The philosophy and beliefs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Rousseau's ideas about human nature and society and link them to his religious views.
Key learning points
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an Enlightenment philosopher.
- Many believed his views to be radical.
- Rousseau's core belief was that humans are mostly good and it is society that corrupts them.
- He argued that humans were more civilised in their natural state than in civilisations.
- Rousseau believed in God and the afterlife but was Protestant and Catholic at different points in his life.
Keywords
Civilisation - a society with organised communities, rules, and developed ways of living
Civil religion - Rousseau's idea of a set of shared beliefs that unite people, without specific religious practices
Jean-Jacques Rousseau - a Swiss philosopher (1712–1778) known for his political philosophy
Socratic questioning - a teaching style attributed to Socrates which involves asking questions
Common misconception
Like Hobbes, Rousseau saw the 'state of nature' as meaning without society, humans live in fear and conflict.
Rousseau's view contrasts directly with Hobbes', he described the state of nature as a time when humans were free, equal, and lived harmoniously, not chaotic or lawless.
Teacher tip
Check students have an understanding of the reformation and the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Hobbes' thought experiment was to imagine a world where there were no governments or ...
Q2.Hobbes asked his readers to conduct a thought experiment in ...
Q3.Hobbes believed that if they lived in a state of nature people would think only about ...
Q4.Hobbes believed that unlimited freedom leads to ...
Q5.A __________ is an arrangement between two or more people or groups, where each promises to do something for the other.
Q6.Hobbes believed that should have absolute authority.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.According to Rousseau, humans are naturally ...
Q2.Rousseau argued that corrupts humans.
Q3.Complete the quotation: 'Man is born free, and everywhere he is in __________.’
Q4.Rousseau was unlike other Enlightenment thinkers because he emphasised ...
Q5.Rousseau proposed the idea of a 'civil __________.'
Q6. questioning can be used to explore Rousseau’s view on the state of nature.
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: The philosophy and beliefs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: The philosophy and beliefs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Religion and politics in the Enlightenment: How were they aligned? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.