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Home/Social Studies/Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this?

Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this?

Rousseau describes humanity as a free agent whose freedom and humanity depend on an individual ability to deliberate and make vital decisions. By describing humans as free agents, Rousseau indicates that dissolute human beings possess physical freedom since they do not face severe constraints from the repressive state apparatus or domination by fellow men. Besides, men also have spiritual and psychological freedom since they are not part of modern society’s current artificial needs. However, societal evils like exploitation and domination of the poor emerged due to man’s enslavement to his needs.

The decision a human being makes regarding the acceptance or rejection of freedom plays a vital role in influencing their identity. Precisely, men abandon themselves to excesses that bring them death and fever because the mind corrupts personal senses, and the will continues to silence nature. Altogether, men are free agents since they experience the command of nature, which forces them to comply or resist the call of nature.

Perfectibility is the human attribute of distinguishing themselves from other animals through continuous improvement. According to Rousseau, perfectibility is a unique ability that allows humans to differentiate from other species in special features like society, language, and technology. Besides, the perfect ability makes men have greater self-perfection by exchanging ideas with other humans, suppressing their primal desires.

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Academic.Tips. (2022, November 26). Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this? https://academic.tips/question/rousseau-describes-the-human-being-as-a-free-agent-what-does-he-mean-by-this-and-what-are-its-implications-for-human-identity-connected-with-this-notion-is-the-idea-of-human/

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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this?" November 26, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/rousseau-describes-the-human-being-as-a-free-agent-what-does-he-mean-by-this-and-what-are-its-implications-for-human-identity-connected-with-this-notion-is-the-idea-of-human/.

1. Academic.Tips. "Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this?" November 26, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/rousseau-describes-the-human-being-as-a-free-agent-what-does-he-mean-by-this-and-what-are-its-implications-for-human-identity-connected-with-this-notion-is-the-idea-of-human/.


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Academic.Tips. "Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this?" November 26, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/rousseau-describes-the-human-being-as-a-free-agent-what-does-he-mean-by-this-and-what-are-its-implications-for-human-identity-connected-with-this-notion-is-the-idea-of-human/.

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"Rousseau describes the human being as a “free agent.” What does he mean by this and what are its implications for human identity? Connected with this notion is the idea of human “perfectibility.” What does Rousseau mean by this?" Academic.Tips, 26 Nov. 2022, academic.tips/question/rousseau-describes-the-human-being-as-a-free-agent-what-does-he-mean-by-this-and-what-are-its-implications-for-human-identity-connected-with-this-notion-is-the-idea-of-human/.

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