Jean-Jacques Rousseau
What’s inside
Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s ‘The Social Contract’ is a cornerstone of political philosophy, first published in 1762. It explores the concept of social contract theory, suggesting that legitimate political authority rests upon the consent of the governed. Rousseau argues for a form of government where the people are sovereign and laws are made based on the general will. This revolutionary idea influenced the development of republicanism and democratic thought, challenging the traditional view of sovereignty and the relationship between individual liberty and state authority.
You’ll Learn
- Understanding the foundations of modern democracy
- Exploring the concept of general will and its implications for governance
- Reflecting on the balance between individual freedoms and societal laws
- Gaining insight into the philosophical underpinnings of political movements
Key Points
- The foundation of political order lies in the social contract
- Sovereignty belongs to the people
- The general will as the basis of law and governance
- The relationship between individual freedom and societal laws
- Differences between the sovereign, the government, and the people
- Challenges to authority based on natural rights and social contracts
Who’s it For
- Political science students
- Philosophy enthusiasts
- Historians of the Enlightenment
- Activists interested in civil rights and governance
About the author
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an influential Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century. His contributions to political philosophy, particularly concerning the development of modern democratic and republican thought, are monumental. Rousseau’s work on morality, education, and society challenges the Enlightenment’s rationalism, emphasizing emotion and the inherent goodness of humanity.