Abstract:

Joseph De Maistre's thought was generally considered as diametrically opposed to Rousseau's. Their antagonistic positions, however, could not cover up their much more complicated intellectual relationship, which was apparently embodied in their theories of politics and society. As to issues such as the occurrence and development of human nature and society and the elements of maintaining a fine society, they were almost completely opposed to each other in their theoretical starting points and conclusions, and Maistre delivered a strong attack against Rousseau as well. On the other hand, his views of sovereignty, legislator and role of religion were quite identical with Rousseau's. What's more, they both issued similar challenges to many basic theories of Enlightenment philosophy. Maistre's theory, in a degree, defended the nature of Rousseau's thought.

Key words: Joseph De Maistre, Rousseau, counter-enlightenment