Political Philosophy

Rousseau puts the finishing touches on his fictional pupil Emile, instilling in him a sense of a chivalry motivated by obtaining the sexual favors of Sophie, his arranged mate. But once married, disaster strikes–children die and Sophie has an affair in the big city, where they have sought distraction from their grief. Their marriage ends and Emile strikes out on his own, able to live life without relying on anyone else. But is self-reliance good enough?