SECOND DISCOURSE

'Tweede verhandeling' of verhandeling over de oorsprong en basis van ongelijkheid onder mannen

It is a 1755 book by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau initially reveals his theory of a human state of nature in this book, which is widely regarded as a hypothetical thought exercise, as well as human perfectibility, an early idea of progress. He then goes on to explain how, in his opinion, individuals built civil society, leading him to the conclusion that private property is the original root and foundation of all inequality.

The dedication, the introduction, an extended investigation into the nature of the human being, and another enquiry into the evolution of the human species within society make up Rousseau's book. It also includes an addendum that expands on the text's anthropological study in the eighteenth century.  Natural, or physical inequality, and ethical, or moral inequality are the two sorts of inequality that Rousseau explores. Natural inequality is the disparity between one human's body and another's; it is a natural phenomenon. Rousseau is unconcerned about this form of inequality since he believes it is not the source of civil society's inequality.