Theoretical sources and the character of J.-J. Rousseau's state of nature hypothesis

The paper deals with the Rousseaus «Discourse on Inequality». The author reveals the motives of construction of the state of nature concept, philosopher's attitude towards natural theology, works by Buffon and Diderot, influences of Condillac's sensualism and ideas of Malebranche and Gerdil. The paper shows the dual character of Rousseaus hypothesis: on the one hand, it was based on the anthropology of his contemporaries, and on the other - on non-historical analysis of social realities. The connection of this hypothesis with Rousseau's moral and aesthetic doctrine is established, as well as its importance for proving his social contract theory.