Emile, or On Education

Structure and Organization

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's book «Emile, or On Education» consists of five books, each dedicated to different stages of a child's upbringing. The first book describes the upbringing of an infant up to two years old, focusing on natural development and freedom. The second book covers the period from two to twelve years, emphasizing the importance of physical education and learning through experience. The third book examines the age from twelve to fifteen years, where the focus is on intellectual development and moral education. The fourth book is devoted to youth from fifteen to twenty years, discussing issues of love, friendship, and social life. The fifth book describes Emile's adult life, his marriage, and his role in society. In each book, Rousseau uses dialogues, examples, and reflections to illustrate his pedagogical ideas and principles.