Rousseau’s Critique of Science argues that the First Discourse is an indispensable work, both for those interested in understanding Rousseau’s philosophical system, and for those interested in the political consequences of the modern liberal democratic commitment to scientific progress. Through two simultaneous readings of the First Discourse, this commentary by Jeff J. S. Black pursues answers to questions about the basis of Rousseau’s thesis that scientific progress contributes to moral corruption, about the origin and method of Rousseau’s philosophical system, about the place of the First Discourse in Rousseau’s system, and about the consequences of Rousseau’s critique of science for the future happiness of mankind.