The First Discourse questions whether the progress of the sciences and arts has corrupted or purified human morality. Rousseau argues that rather than improving virtue, these advancements have led to increased luxury, vanity, and a decline in genuine moral character, fostering inequality and dependence.

Rousseau's First Discourse is a foundational text in Enlightenment thought, sparking widespread debate and solidifying his reputation as a radical thinker. Critics at the time were divided, with some praising its bold challenge to prevailing notions of progress and others condemning its perceived attack on civilization itself. The work is recognized for its provocative style and its enduring influence on subsequent philosophical and political movements, particularly in its questioning of societal values and the nature of human happiness.