Of The Social Contract and Other Political Writings
Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Modern, Political
| Author: | Jean-Jacques Rousseau | ISBN: | 9780141931999 |
| Publisher: | Penguin Books Ltd | Publication: | October 4, 2012 |
| Imprint: | Penguin | Language: | English |
| Author: | Jean-Jacques Rousseau |
| ISBN: | 9780141931999 |
| Publisher: | Penguin Books Ltd |
| Publication: | October 4, 2012 |
| Imprint: | Penguin |
| Language: | English |
'Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'
These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise, he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law, freedom and justice, arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism, to others a declaration of democratic principles.
Translated by Quintin Hoare
With a new introduction by Christopher Bertram
'Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'
These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise, he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law, freedom and justice, arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism, to others a declaration of democratic principles.
Translated by Quintin Hoare
With a new introduction by Christopher Bertram
