Political Science · Western Political Thought
What was the topic of the Academy of Dijon essay for which Rousseau won the prize?
AWhether the restoration of the sciences and arts contributed to the debasement of human nature
BWhether modern science and arts contributed to the purification of morals
CWhether the restoration of the sciences and arts contributed to the purification of morals ✓ Correct
DA discourse on modern science and arts
Correct answer: (C) Whether the restoration of the sciences and arts contributed to the purification of morals — The Academy asked whether the restoration of the sciences and arts contributed to the purification of morals.
Explanation
★The Academy asked whether the restoration of the sciences and arts contributed to the purification of morals.
★This was the question of the First Discourse set by the Academy of Dijon.
★Rousseau won the prize for his essay in 1750.
★He answered that the arts and sciences had not purified but corrupted morals.
★So the topic was the purification of morals, even though his answer was negative.
★It launched his critique of civilisation and progress.
★Hence the essay topic concerned the purification of morals.
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