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Why do some thinkers view Rousseau as a champion of democracy whereas others see him as a spiritual precursor of totalitarianism?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
He argued for democracy, but not for liberty, claiming that anyone who disagrees with the general will should be forced to follow it. I doubt Rousseau would support Dictatorship, though. He seems to be advocating something like an "absolute democracy" with full political equality, a true democracy rather than a republic, and he explicitly says that political parties would dilute or ruin a political system based on the general will. A dictatorship clashes with this completely because whoever rules the country is not politically equal with the rest of the people and can establish a tyranny of an individual or a tyranny of a party. He is arguing for a tyranny of the majority.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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The General Will theory of which enlightenment thinker influenced the French Revolution and the rise of modern totalitarianism?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Who believed in a direct democracy?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
How did Locke and Rousseau influence the principles of American democracy?
Locke and Rousseau were both writers. Both men wrote about democracy and the rights that all people should be given.
How did Rousseau influence democracy?
Democracy used beliefs based on reasoning and ideas used during the Enlightenment.
Who was jean Jacques Rousseau believe?
enlightened philosopher who believed democracy can protect freedom
Why was he important Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was important because he wrote the book called the Social Contract and was a big part of direct democracy.
What were some of the enlightenment ideas that helped inspire the french revolution?
Rousseau's ideas inspire many leaders of the French Revolution. Rousseau fought for individual freedom. He though that a direct democracy was the best form of government.
What political ideas did Jean-Jacques Rousseau have?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for the concept of the social contract, where individuals surrender some individual rights for the collective good. He believed in the idea of popular sovereignty, where political authority is derived from the consent of the governed. Rousseau also emphasized the importance of civic virtue, arguing that individuals should prioritize the common good over self-interest.
What political ideas did Jean Jacques Rousseau have?
Rousseau was a proponent of equality and criticized property, as a source of vices. He also strongly rejected autocratic regimes, in favour of democracy.
What are Rousseau ideas?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778 CE) was a Genevan philosopher during the French Revolution. The ideas he promoted were democracy and personal freedom under the law.
What writer inspired many of the ideas of the French Revolution including the belief in unlimited democracy?
Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau on civilizations?
he was called the Father of Democracy. He bsaically invented the democratic system of government
