The Social Contract

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1762, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's «The Social Contract» is one of the key works of the Enlightenment era. In this work, Rousseau explores the nature and foundations of political power, asserting that legitimate authority comes from the people and should serve the common good. He introduces the concept of the «social contract», where individuals voluntarily unite into a society, submitting to the general will to achieve the common good. This work has had a profound impact on the development of political philosophy, laying the groundwork for many democratic and republican ideas. Its influence is evident in the French Revolution and the subsequent formation of modern democratic states. Rousseau emphasizes the importance of freedom and equality, which is reflected in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. His ideas on popular sovereignty and social justice continue to be relevant and influential in contemporary political discourse.