Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Man, Nature, and the Social Contract

Rousseau's Political Philosophy

Rousseau's philosophy did not differentiate classes, believing all people shared the same fundamental needs and desires. He argued that when citizens were represented not as they truly are, but as modest and humble subjects, they became easier to control, leading to tyranny. He noted that the advancement of the sciences and arts also played a significant role in shaping societal change.

The State of Nature and Human Freedom

A man in his natural state is a thinker. Rousseau's contractarian view contrasts with thinkers like Locke and Hobbes, who believed societies formed a pact by accepting the rules of socio-political institutions.

In nature, man is simple; his only concern is survival and meeting basic needs, such as eating. While arguably similar to an animal, Rousseau asserts that man is conscious of his freedom. Man is good by nature, but seeking to satisfy his needs eventually leads him to become selfish and ambitious, doing wrong to others.

The Rise of Society and Inequality

Societal Problems: The Origin of Social Life

Initially, relations between humans were spontaneous and mutually helpful until human progress led them to perform tasks together. This progress also led to the creation of private property, allowing individuals to claim, "This is mine." All the natural goodness of man vanished due to greed.

To combat this, a political society was developed, founded through agreement by all. However, this societal structure caused great inequality, exceeding the bounds that existed in the natural state. This process created an interdependent union where the rich and poor could not be separated.

Achieving Freedom Through the General Will

Rousseau's Social Reform

Rousseau's reconstruction seeks a way of life oriented toward uncoupling political institutions from standards that restrict freedom. To achieve this, everyone must adhere to the General Will, where all are helped by all.

This concept is partially reflected in democracy through individual votes, but not entirely, because individual interests often supersede the common good. To support the general society, a covenant must be created that generates the General Will. Rousseau wanted to restore the freedom possessed in the natural state. This requires man to:

• Turn away from selfishness.
• Form a unity between the individual and the universal.

Rousseau claims that applying natural goodness universally recreates the social pact.