Jean Jacques Rousseau: Jean Jacques Rousseau: Social ContractSocial Contract

Aldrin Amat

CHY 4U1

Mr. Swan

September 22, 2010

Quick FactsQuick Facts Born on June 28,1712 in Geneva,

Switzerland, he left home at 16, moving back and forth from Geneva and Paris, working as a musician and tutor.

A Genevois Philosopher, writer, composer, 18th century Romantic and French Enlightenment thinker.

His deep interest in music led him to believe that music should express feelings rather than ideas.

Began writing career in his forties, and an essay titled, Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts 1750, declaring man is good by nature but can be harmful and corrupt due to the effects of modern civilization, gained him widespread attention.

He began to show signs of mental instability in 1767 and died insane on July 2, 1778 in France.

Social ContractSocial Contract

The Social Contract (1762), introduced the slogan 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity‘.

Focuses on the search for a legitimate authority. Proper Government’s could exist if they protect the equality and character

of their citizens. People must give up sovereignty to the government to receive and

maintain social order through rule of law. Struggled to preserve individual freedom, within the confines of society,

an important theme during the Enlightenment. Argues the fact that man should never give up their freedom to slavery. General will allows individual freedom and diversity. States the origin of society, absolute freedom, and absolute equality of all,

are false and unnatural. Concluded by saying the only rightful rulers are those whom the citizens

freely choose for themselves. Famous quote, “Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains”. One of the most influential works of political philosophy in Western

tradition.

Importance to World HistoryImportance to World History His work may have been criticized, but friends and enemies alike can recognize

the originality and persuasiveness of his ideas. His political philosophy influenced several ideas and individuals during the

French and American Revolutions. Intellectual father of the French Revolution (1789 – 1799), defender of individual

freedom and private property. Modern Fascism, Communism and Communitarian thought, a result of Rousseau's

ideals used during the French Revolution. Influenced Immanuel Kant, who bridged the gap between the Enlightenment and

the Romantics, as well as Karl Marx. Founding Fathers of the United States Thomas Jefferson and James Madison drew

heavily on Rousseau’s ideals. Greatest challenge was to convince men to never be ashamed to call themselves

human beings. Ideas of human equality, democracy, and freedom have influenced many modern

republican governments.

Works CitedWorks Cited

Encyclopedia of Political ThoughtInternet Encyclopedia of

PhilosophyModern World History OnlineThe Catholic Encyclopedia