Religious Tolerance in Rousseau's Emile
Abstract
This article examines Jean-Jacques Rousseau's views on religious tolerance as articulated in his work Emile, specifically within the "Profession of Faith of a Savoyard Vicar." The author analyzes Rousseau's "religion of the heart" and "natural religion," which prioritize internal conscience and the beauty of the universe over dogmatic ecclesiasticism and revealed truths. The study explores how Rousseau’s approach differs from the rationalistic tolerance of John Locke; while Locke focuses on the political separation of church and state, Rousseau emphasizes the moral and emotional unity of humanity through a shared natural faith. The paper argues that for Rousseau, true tolerance arises when individuals move beyond the "prejudices" of their specific upbringing to recognize a universal deity, thereby preventing religious fanaticism and social fragmentation.
Article Details
- How to Cite
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Balafas, G. I. (2020). Religious Tolerance in Rousseau’s Emile . Ηθική. Περιοδικό φιλοσοφίας, (7), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.22718
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- No. 7 (2009)
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- Articles
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