Rousseau and the melodious language of freedom

Journal/Book: J Polit. 1997; 59: Box 7819, Austin, TX 78713-7819. Univ Texas Press. 803-829.

Abstract: Although known primarily as a political thinker, Rousseau was also a musician and a musical theorist. In his writings on music and language, Rousseau develops a theory of the natural basis of culture and cultural variability This theory centers on humans' ability to recognize the passions communicated by members of their community and explains the variability of those passions and of their expression in different communities. Underlying both the community and the communication of its members is an affective cultural base of shared passions, customs, and mores. For Rousseau, the model of a legitimate political community is a place where the citizens enjoy the immediate and unanimous communication of their common will. Rousseau's writings on music and language explain the affective foundations of the community and bring to light the musicolinguistic requirements for the creation and maintenance of a free community.

Note: Article Scott JT, Univ Houston, Houston,TX 77204 USA

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