Introduction
Cultural beliefs illustrate theories, facts, norms, values, or principles that individuals need to uphold while in the society. The society has a perception on various issues that surround an individual’s life. As such, the individual needs to adopt the perceptions and uphold them while in a given social setting. The following discussion gives an analysis of women, gender, and sex in the rise of western civilization. The discussion makes use of great philosophers and historians who provided different arguments about the topic in order to prove certain points. A comparison and contrast between the works of Jean Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire will be analyzed with build up evidence from their arguments.
The context
Comparison between Jean Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire
The works of Rousseau and Voltaire regarding women, gender have some similarities as evidence from the case. Francois-Marie Arouet (Voltaire) was a great philosopher who was more concerned about human rationality and human progress (Arouet 326). Jean Jacques Rousseau was a great philosopher who promoted sovereignty among people (Rousseau 284).
Evidence
Human beings exist in two genders: male and female. Voltaire argued that these two genders have no equality with reference to the existence on planet earth. However, he pointed out some situations arise in which the two genders receive an equal treatment from the society they exist. Equality depicts the concept of sharing a common value and ability among all the parties concerned. In a broader sense, equality is to be equal (Arouet 327). Rousseau also talked about the social contract, arguing that no man has authority over another since we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. Men cannot leave without aggression since it forms the only way of preserving their identity. As Rousseau proved, the role of Western civilization was to promote equality among human beings. In his statement, Rousseau stated that;
“There is in the state of fundamental law which cannot be revoked, not even this social compact for all the citizens assembled in order to break the compact by a solemn agreement” (Rousseau 286)
Secondly, the two philosophers have the same thought in terms of the role of religion in the society. Voltaire declared criticized the religion and its beliefs. In his writing on Universal Toleration, Voltaire claimed that people should take care of one another if at all they believe to be created by the same God. He challenges Christians, whether male or female, to uphold the teachings of the bible and take each other as brethren (Arouet 328-329). Similarly, Rousseau claimed that God created every person in His own resemblance and therefore; all beings are equal in the eyes of God. He continues to challenge men who lead others in church but, fail to implement their teachings in their homes. “..For we are not all children of the same father and creatures of the same God” (Rousseau 284).
Contrast
The two people also had some differences when it came to the role of gender and women in the society.
Evidence
The professional success of women has occurred in line with the emerging women’s movement, in the universe. However, several assertions with regard to desire of equal treatment arise. Voltaire argued that gender assertions receive a diverging level of attitude towards the women’s rights and not the female gender. Indeed, every human being could be affected by the emotions and feelings, but men prove to be more powerful that women in such situations. Men exhibit high levels of managing and controlling their feelings in all situations, including the emergence of a conflicting situation (Arouet 329-330). On the other hand, Rousseau claimed that men sometimes have superiority over the women when it comes to household duties. Since men and women are both human beings, they share a common right that has benefits for the two groups. Men possess various skills that enable them survive in hostile environments where women cannot manage (Rousseau 285).
Secondly, Voltaire concentrated more on Christianity and its teachings about toleration while Rousseau argued his points based on real life situations. Voltaire asked people to act according to the teachings of the bible while Rousseau concentrated on social contrast that saw people behave according to their general wills (Rousseau 284).
Conclusion
The following case acts a better means of educating the public on the importance of respect in the society. As Voltaire claims, all people are equal in the eyes of God. Human beings should not preach water and drink wine. The case gives us an obligation to respect women in the society. In addition, the rise of western civilization brought about many changes in the society where by it changed the role of women. Rousseau also contributes more to the life of individuals in terms of the real life and the obligations of each and every person in the society. Despite the fact that men and women belong to the same classification of human beings, they do not share the same abilities. This occurs since there are differences in terms of characteristics and masculine nature between men and women. The rise of western civilization and the work of Voltaire and Rousseau should be appreciated in an effort to bring equality in our society.
Works Cited
Arouet Francois-Marie. A Treatise on Toleration. London: Fielding and Walker, 1779.
Rousseau Jean-Jacques. The Social Contract: On Popular Sovereignty and the General Will. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1898.
