The Jews are Citizens

Abstract

Besides dependence Rousseau holds forth a second strategy for promoting social morale: by the systematic cultivation of homogeneous interests, by the creation of a “republic of hearts”. Like Kenneth Arrow, he emphasises the importance of “likeness in desires for social alternatives”. Such a likeness is important both to attain a democratic social choice, a “general will” (Arrow’s point), and to prevent individual rationality from interfering with the optimum: the problem of deserting hunters or free riding. For that reason, Rousseau stubbornly tries every means to further the homogeneity of interests. No way seems too odd or too insignificant. This urge overshadows almost all other concerns. And even such values for which he in his personal life cares most, may have to be sacrificed: theatre, political and intellectual exchanges with women, and musical performances.