Liberté, égalité, fraternité
French for “liberty, equality, fraternity,” this is the national motto of France and the Republic of Haiti. It originated during the French Revolution and remains a powerful symbol of egalitarian ideals.
A French philosopher and political economist, Leroux is often credited with popularizing the term “egalitarianism” in the 19th century. His works on socialism and human progress are key resources for understanding early discussions of equality.
His major works include:
Individualism and Socialism” (1834): This essay is notable for introducing the term “socialism” into the French political lexicon.
De l’égalité (1838): An article later published as a separate work, this book focuses on the concept of equality.
Refutation de l’éclectisme (1839): Like “De l’égalité,” this was an article that was later published on its own.
De l’Humanité (1840): Considered his major philosophical work and the “manifesto of the Humanitarians,” this book provides the fullest exposition of his philosophical system.
L’Encyclopédie nouvelle (1838-1841): Leroux co-founded and edited this encyclopedia.
In Democracy in America ,Tocqueville discusses the rise of equality as a societal force and uses the term “égalitarisme” to describe emerging trends in social and political life. His observations provide valuable insights into the development of egalitarian thought.
Many 19th-century French thinkers both advocates and critics grappled with the social and political movements aimed at achieving greater equality. Their writings remain foundational for contemporary egalitarian theory.
For a good introduction to egalitarianism, “What is the Point of Equality?” by Elizabeth Anderson is a clear and accessible overview.
By John Rawls (b. 1921, d. 2002) an American political philosopher in the liberal tradition.
This book is arguably the most important text in modern political philosophy and a cornerstone of liberal egalitarianism. Rawls proposes a theory of “justice as fairness,” arguing for two principles:
Why it’s essential: Rawls’s work set the terms of the debate for decades. Researchers either built upon his ideas or developed their own theories in direct response to his work.
The Social Contract
By Jean-Jacques Rousseau (28 June 1712 – 2 July 1778), a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy influenced the progress of the Age of Enlightenment and the French Revolution.
“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they. How did this change come about? I do not know. What can make it legitimate? That question I think I can answer.”