Political Science · Western Political Thought
UGC NET 2023 Political Science
Rousseau, in his book 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality', drew a distinction between two types of inequality. Which two?
- 1. Political inequality
- 2. Natural inequality
- 3. Conservative inequality
- 4. Conventional inequality
- 5. Social inequality
A1 & 2 only
B3 & 4 only
C1 & 5 only
D2 & 4 only ✓ Correct
Correct answer: (D) 2 & 4 only — Rousseau distinguished natural inequality and conventional inequality, so the answer is 2 and 4.
Explanation
★Rousseau distinguished natural inequality and conventional inequality, so the answer is 2 and 4.
★Natural or physical inequality arises from differences of age, health, strength, and mental qualities.
★Conventional or moral inequality arises from differences of wealth, honour, power, and privilege fixed by social agreement.
★He set this out in his Discourse on the Origin of Inequality of 1755.
★Rousseau argued that conventional inequality expands with private property and undermines natural freedom.
★Political and social inequality are aspects of the conventional kind, not a separate category he named here.
Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.
Shared by Mcqkart · via Mcqkart.in