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Jean Jacques Rousseau Social Contract Theory

Jean Jacques Rousseau Social Contract Theory thumbnail
Jean Jacques Rousseau Social Contract Theory

Jean Jacques Rousseau wrote "The Social Contract, or Principles of Political Right" in 1762 during the Enlightenment. It expanded his previous work, "Discourse on the Origins and Foundations of Inequality Among Men" that discussed how people came to live in civilized societies.

  1. The State of Nature

    • "The Social Contract" holds that people were free and equal before becoming civilized. Civilization leads to economic and social inequalities by creating upper and lower classes.

    Coexistence

    • Since civilized people cannot return to living in a State of Nature, they must learn to live together peacefully and equally.

    Rights

    • In a civilized society, no individual has more rights than any other. Authority over an individual can only come by agreement or contract.

    The General Will

    • Individual wills are subject to the general will of the people. The general will is established by creating an Assembly to which every adult citizen must belong. This body will be a direct democracy and not a representative one.

    An Assembly of Equals

    • Since the Assembly is comprised of individuals with equal rights, the general will meets the needs of most individuals, while the individual serves the needs of the populace by obeying its decrees. If anyone refuses to join the Assembly, he will be denied the benefits of citizenship and protection.

    Small States

    • Town Council Meeting

      Direct democracy can only work in small states so that individuals can attend the frequent Assembly meetings.

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  • Photo Credit flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeckman/418509434/

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