“Man is born free and, and everywhere he is in chains. One believes himself the other’s master,
and yet is more a slave than they. How did this change come about? I do not know. What can it
make legitimate? I believe I can solve this.”1
Regarding this quoted statement, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Of the Social Contract or Principles
of Political Right (in the following referred to as the Social Contract) of 1762 tries to
explain and solve the problems of the society Rousseau lived in with the idea of a somewhat
direct democracy and a radical popular sovereignty. Accordingly, the author’s theory
is the counterpart to the early liberal Montesquieuian model of a state with a binding constitution,
but also to the later classical liberal theories of democracy of John Stuart Mill. In
general, Rousseau is known as a representative of the concept of direct democracy and as
an intercessor of the identity of governors and the governed. Moreover, he pledged for the
inseparability of popular sovereignty. 2
Taking this into consideration, Rousseau’s Social Contract – although censored and
prohibited in his own time – remains a key source of democratic belief and is one of the
classics of political theory. His theories were viewed so controversially that they were even
publicly burned. So, the Social Contract and Emile or on Education (1762) became victims
of the flames.3 This was, because basically, the Social Contract argues, that
“the first and the most important consequences of the principles established so far is that the
general will [volonté générale] alone can direct the forces of the state according to the end of its
institution, which is the common good.”4
1 Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The Social Contract and Other Later Political Writings, edited and translated by
Victor Gourevitch, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political
Thought), 1997, Book I, p. 41.
2 Manfred G. Schmidt: Demokratietheorien. Eine Einführung, 2. Auflage, Opladen: Leske + Budrich, 1997,
pp. 23-24.
3 Merle L. Perkins: Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the Individual and Society, Lexington: University Press of
Kentucky, 1974, p. 239.
4 Rousseau: The Social Contract, Book II, p. 57.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Some Biographical Facts and Rousseau's Works
- 3. The State of Nature
- 4. The Social Contract as a Concept for Society and Government
- 4.1 The Development of Society
- 4.2 The Social Contract as a Counterpart
- 4.2.1 Freedom and Equality
- 4.2.2 Various Forms of Government and the General Will
- 4.2.3 The Legislator and the Composition of Government
- 5. Concluding Remarks: Can the Social Contract Stand the ‘Test of Reality’?
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of society and government as presented in *The Social Contract*. It explores the conditions for a just society, the role of the general will, and the relationship between freedom and equality within Rousseau's framework. The paper also examines potential criticisms of his theory.
- The formation of societies and the conditions that undermine social contracts.
- The concept of the general will and its role in legitimate government.
- Rousseau's views on freedom, equality, and different forms of government.
- A critical evaluation of Rousseau's theory of the social contract.
- Rousseau's concept of the state of nature and its influence on his social contract theory.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of Rousseau's *Social Contract*, highlighting its importance as a cornerstone of democratic thought despite its controversial nature. It introduces Rousseau's central argument concerning the inherent contradiction between man's natural freedom and his societal enslavement, outlining the paper's objectives to explore the conditions for just governance, the role of freedom and equality, and a critical examination of Rousseau's theory. The chapter establishes the context by referencing other works by Rousseau, such as the *Second Discourse*, and compares his ideas with those of Hobbes.
2. Some Biographical Facts and Rousseau's Works: This chapter provides biographical context for understanding Rousseau's political philosophy. It details his upbringing in Geneva, his diverse professional experiences, and his exposure to different social classes. This biographical information, crucial to understanding the development of his ideas, connects his personal experiences with the themes and arguments he presents in his political writings. The chapter positions *The Social Contract* within the larger body of his work, highlighting its relationship to other key texts, like the *Second Discourse* and *Emile*, showing how his concept of the state of nature and education interweaves with his social contract theory.
3. The State of Nature: This chapter delves into Rousseau's unique conception of the state of nature. Unlike previous theorists, Rousseau posits that humans in their natural state are fundamentally different from civilized humans. This divergence forms the cornerstone of his argument, establishing a baseline for understanding how society shapes, and often corrupts, the innate goodness of humanity. By contrasting the natural state with the societal condition, Rousseau lays the groundwork for his analysis of the social contract as a means to rectify the problems inherent in societal development.
4. The Social Contract as a Concept for Society and Government: This pivotal chapter explores the core of Rousseau's argument. It details his concept of a social contract as a necessary agreement among individuals to form a just society. The chapter thoroughly examines the development of society and contrasts Rousseau's model with those of earlier liberal theorists. Within this section, the concepts of freedom and equality, different forms of government, and the essential role of the general will and legislator in achieving a just government are analyzed in depth. The interwoven subsections provide a comprehensive overview of the social contract's mechanics and objectives.
Keywords
Social contract, general will, popular sovereignty, freedom, equality, direct democracy, state of nature, legitimacy, government, Rousseau, political philosophy.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract: A Comprehensive Overview - FAQ
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper analyzing Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of society and government as presented in *The Social Contract*. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The information is intended for academic use and analysis.
What topics are covered in the analysis of Rousseau's *Social Contract*?
The analysis explores the conditions for a just society, the role of the general will, and the relationship between freedom and equality within Rousseau's framework. It also examines potential criticisms of his theory, including the formation of societies and the conditions that undermine social contracts, Rousseau's views on different forms of government, and a critical evaluation of his overall theory.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
The analysis is structured into five chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to Rousseau's work and the paper's objectives. Chapter 2 delves into Rousseau's biography and the context of his writings. Chapter 3 explores Rousseau's unique concept of the state of nature. Chapter 4 constitutes the core of the analysis, examining the social contract itself, including the development of society, freedom and equality, different forms of government, and the role of the general will. Chapter 5 offers concluding remarks on the viability of Rousseau's social contract theory.
What is Rousseau's concept of the state of nature?
Rousseau's conception of the state of nature differs significantly from previous theorists. He argues that humans in their natural state are fundamentally different from civilized humans, possessing an innate goodness that is often corrupted by societal development. This forms the basis for his argument regarding the social contract as a means to rectify societal problems.
What is the role of the "general will" in Rousseau's theory?
The "general will" is a central concept in Rousseau's social contract theory. It represents the collective will of the people aimed at the common good, not merely the sum of individual desires. The analysis explores its role in legitimate government and its implications for different forms of governance.
What are the key differences between Rousseau's ideas and those of other theorists (e.g., Hobbes)?
The document highlights the differences between Rousseau's view of the state of nature and those of earlier theorists like Hobbes. While the document doesn't explicitly detail these differences in the FAQ section, the chapter summaries provide the foundation for understanding these contrasts by comparing his ideas with those of Hobbes and other liberal theorists. The introduction sets the stage for exploring these contrasts.
How does the analysis evaluate Rousseau's theory?
The analysis provides a critical evaluation of Rousseau's theory of the social contract, examining its strengths and weaknesses. It assesses the theory's potential to stand the "test of reality" and considers potential criticisms of its assumptions and implications.
What are the key terms associated with this analysis?
Key terms include: social contract, general will, popular sovereignty, freedom, equality, direct democracy, state of nature, legitimacy, government, Rousseau, and political philosophy.
- Quote paper
- Andrea Becker (Author), Maren Reyelt (Author), 2001, Jean Jaques Rousseau's Concept of Society and Government: A Study of the Social Contract, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/27060
