The question of unity is essential in the history of philosophy. In Rousseau’s case, it is even more so, because it concerns human existence and nature, which is plagued by the duplicity caused by civilization and its many advances. It goes without saying that this question does not only concern the philosopher, but every man who wishes to reconcile himself with himself and with others, and who is concerned with re/defining his identity. However, it must be admitted that this unity, in Rousseau, cannot be grasped without a dialectic in forceps, despite the effort of an autobiography supposed to rehabilitate his life and his work.
