The Social Contract

Main Ideas

• Social Contract: Rousseau asserts that the social contract is the foundation of legitimate political order. People come together in society to protect their rights and freedoms by transferring some of their natural rights to the collective body.
• General Will: Rousseau introduces the concept of the general will, which represents the collective will of all citizens aimed at the common good. The general will is distinct from the will of all, which may include private interests.
• State of Nature: Rousseau describes the state of nature as a condition of freedom and equality, where people live before the formation of society. In this state, individuals have no property and live in harmony with nature.
• Freedom and Equality: Rousseau emphasizes the importance of freedom and equality in society. He believes that true freedom is only possible in a society where laws express the general will and apply equally to all.
• Popular Sovereignty: Rousseau argues that sovereignty belongs to the people, and no authority can be legitimate if it does not originate from the people. The people have the right to change or abolish laws and government if they do not serve the common good.
• Democracy and Participation: Rousseau advocates for direct democracy, where citizens actively participate in decision-making. He criticizes representative democracy, believing it distances the people from power.