Which political philosopher is famous for the call Go back to nature, emphasising a simpler life and a return to natural goodness?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Rousseau

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Some famous quotes and slogans summarise key ideas of important thinkers. The phrase Go back to nature is closely linked with a European philosopher who criticised artificialities of civilisation and glorified the natural state of humans. This question asks you to identify that thinker, a common point in the overlap of political science, philosophy and general knowledge.


Given Data / Assumptions:
• The phrase in focus is Go back to nature. • The options list Rousseau, Dayananda Saraswathi, Vivekanandan and Martin Luther. • We assume basic awareness of the central ideas of these figures.


Concept / Approach:
Jean Jacques Rousseau was an eighteenth century French philosopher who greatly influenced modern political thought. In his works, he argued that humans in their natural state were essentially good but were corrupted by society and its institutions. His writings often romanticised nature and the simple life, and the slogan Go back to nature is used to capture this aspect of his thought. The Indian reformers Dayananda Saraswathi and Swami Vivekananda focused on religious and social reform, while Martin Luther was a German religious reformer of an earlier age. None of them are commonly associated with this specific quote in exam contexts.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Rousseau criticised the inequalities and corruptions of European society and argued for social contracts based on general will. 2. Remember that he praised the natural state of humans and saw civilisation as a source of moral decline. 3. Understand that the call Go back to nature summarises his appeal to return to simpler, more natural ways of living and to rely less on artificial social distinctions. 4. Dayananda Saraswathi called for a return to the Vedas, not specifically to nature in the sense used here. 5. Swami Vivekananda emphasised spiritual awakening and service to humanity rather than a general return to nature slogan. 6. Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation in the Christian church, with focus on faith and scripture, not on nature as a central idea. 7. Therefore, Rousseau is clearly the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Political theory textbooks and summaries of Western philosophy typically discuss Rousseau views about the state of nature and his criticism of civilisation. They often present the phrase Go back to nature as a slogan that captures his perspective. In contrast, these books do not connect this phrase with Dayananda Saraswathi, Vivekananda or Luther, reinforcing that Rousseau is the correct association for exam purposes.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dayananda Saraswathi: Known for the call Back to the Vedas, focusing on scriptural reform rather than nature as such. Vivekanandan: Famous for his speeches on Vedanta, universal religion and social service, not led by a Go back to nature slogan. Martin Luther: Central figure in the Protestant Reformation, emphasising faith and scripture, not a champion of a nature centred philosophy.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse different reform slogans that all use the idea of going back, such as back to the Vedas or back to the scriptures. It is important to clearly link Go back to nature with Rousseau critique of society and not with Indian religious reformers. Keeping a simple mapping of slogans to thinkers can help: Back to the Vedas with Dayananda, Go back to nature with Rousseau.


Final Answer:
The call Go back to nature is associated with the philosopher Rousseau.

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