Unlike many Enlightenment thinkers, Rousseau believed strongly in which aspect?

Rousseau’s philosophy distinctly emphasized the importance of feeling and sentiment, contrasting sharply with the rationalism that many Enlightenment thinkers championed. He believed that human beings were inherently good, but that society often corrupted this natural state. Rousseau argued that true understanding and moral behavior arose from emotions and the innate human experience, rather than purely from logical reasoning or empirical evidence.

His work often focused on the role of emotions in shaping human behavior and societal norms, advocating for a return to a more natural state of being where feelings and compassion guide political and social structures. This belief is vividly illustrated in his writings such as "The Social Contract" and "Emile," where he explored the relationship between the individual and society, emphasizing the significance of personal experience and emotional connection over mere rational thought.

In summary, Rousseau's valorization of feeling and sentiment as foundational to human experience and governance represents a key aspect of his philosophy, setting him apart from other Enlightenment thinkers who prioritized logic and empirical reasoning.