Timing the laws: Rousseau's theory of development in Corsica. Issue 4 (4th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Hansong
• Is Part Of: European journal of the history of economic thought. Volume 29:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 648
• Page End: 679
• Publication Date: 2022-07-04
• Subjects: Jean-Jacques Rousseau -- Corsica -- time -- body-politic -- economic development; B1; B3; H1; I3; N0; O0; Economic history -- Periodicals; 330.94
• DOI: 10.1080/09672567.2022.2063357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-2567

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reinterprets Rousseau's theory of political and economic development through the lens of time. In his governmental plan for Corsica, Rousseau sees an infirm political body about to heal, grow, and prosper under changing conditions, not a static experiment of autarkic agrarianism. Therefore, Rousseau's prescriptions of a hybrid economy, intergenerational office-holding, and future-oriented defence are themselves designed to evolve over time. Rethinking Rousseau's concept of time clarifies long-running debates over the seemingly conflicting images of the philosopher. Neither 'founding' nor 're-founding' Corsica, Rousseau legislates in the interim, aiming for the longevity, not the immortality, of a healthy political economy.