The social contract & discourses

Name: The social contract & discourses
Author: Jean-Jacques Rousseau

By Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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Philosophy & Ethics Politics

About This Book

The text argues that legitimate political authority rests on a contract by which individuals unite into a collective that expresses a general will oriented to the common good; freedom consists in obeying laws one has a part in making, and sovereignty belongs to the people while government performs administration. Complementary essays examine how social institutions and cultural refinements distort natural equality and morality, tracing the emergence of private property, social inequalities, and civic corruption. Together the pieces offer a moral and political critique of modern society and a theoretical framework for republican self-government.

About the Author

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an influential philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century, known for his contributions to political philosophy and education. His seminal work, "The Social Contract," explores the concept of individual freedom within the framework of society and governance. Rousseau's autobiographical work, "The Confessions," is notable for its introspective style and is considered one of the first modern autobiographies. He also wrote extensively on education, as seen in his book "Emile," which outlines his ideas on nurturing a child's natural instincts. Rousseau's thoughts on inequality and human nature, articulated in works like "A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind," continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of social justice.