John T. Scott

John T. Scott is a Professor of Political Science and Executive Associate Dean of the College of Letters & Science at the University of California, Davis. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (1992). His research focuses on the thought of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, with notable contributions to political theory, political science, and the history of political thought. He has authored seminal works such as Rousseau’s God: Theology, Religion, and the Natural Goodness of Man (2023), Rousseau’s Reader: Strategies of Persuasion and Education (2020), and The Philosophers’ Quarrel: Rousseau, Hume, and the Limits of Human Understanding (2009). Scott has also edited and translated key Rousseau texts, including Essay on the Origin of Languages (1998) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Major Political Writings (2012).

Education:

• PhD in Political Science, University of Chicago, 1992

Research Interests: Scott’s work centers on Rousseau’s philosophical contributions, particularly his theological perspectives, educational strategies, and debates with Enlightenment thinkers like David Hume. His scholarship bridges political theory, intellectual history, and textual analysis, emphasizing Rousseau’s influence on modern political thought.

Professional Roles:

• Executive Associate Dean, College of Letters & Science (UC Davis)
• Past President of the Rousseau Association

Labs/Teams: While no specific labs are mentioned, his research is anchored in collaborative academic networks, including the Rousseau Association and editorial projects in political theory.