Virtue and Dignity
The philosophical and ethical themes discussed in Rameau’s Nephew, attempt to piece together the puzzles of human nature. One feature of the human experience debated is virtue. The idea of virtue, or living in a virtuous way, depends upon how one views pleasure. Rameau’s bohemian lifestyle and outlook on life leads him to many self-indulgent pleasures. He portrays a loud voice that preaches about the animated, gypsy-like life he leads. The Philosopher, on the other hand, has a more humanitarian view of life, which is more conventional and morally based. The topic of virtue, in the novel, is preceded by a discussion over pleasure. Rameau protests that the selfish way is the better way, “don’t you think society would be great fun if everybody did what appealed to him,” (p.66). He establishes that he is free of obligation, “an idler, fool, and good-for-nothing,” (p.68), with no responsibility of anything living from moment to moment. His comments contradict what the Philosopher believes of pleasure, which are at times self-indulgent for him, however, attempting to improve the human condition is also filled with pleasure. He speaks of drinking wine and laughing with friends as a form of pleasure. He then goes into a story
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Approximate Word count = 1209
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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