Discourse on the Sciences and Arts

Interesting Facts

• The essay was written in response to a question posed by the Academy of Dijon: «Has the restoration of the sciences and arts contributed to the purification of morals?»
• Rousseau claims that progress in sciences and arts has led to the moral decay of society.
• The essay brought Rousseau widespread fame and won the first prize in the Academy of Dijon competition in 1750.
• Rousseau criticizes the society of his time for valuing external achievements more than inner virtues.
• The work laid the foundation for Rousseau's further philosophical reflections on human nature and society.