SOCL 2001 : EXAM 2
Document Summary
Argues that private property creates social inequality, which leads to social conflict. Started with allowing people to own private property. Thought that was the cause of social life. Ferguson, millar agree with rousseau, but argue inequality is good. Inequality means some are getting ahead and creating assets. Asset- form of wealth that can be stored away for the future: assets give incentive to work hard and be productive which leads to higher degree of efficiency. Viewed inequality favorably, as means of controlling population. Thought poverty was a good thing because it kept population in check. If we all have the same thing or exactly what we wanted, then it would increase world population to unsustainable levels. This would lead to mass starvation and conflict. He was known as a miserable person because he looked at things as though poor people dying was a good thing. Had a cleft pallet, so you could not understand him.
