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Rousseau maintains that the state forms by means of a mutually-agreed-upon social contract. Once all the members of the state enter into that contract, they have to abide by its rules. So if I enter into the social contract with you, but I decide that I want to eat some tomatoes planted in your garden, to pursue my own self-interest, I might go steal your tomatoes. But it's not in the interest of the commonwealth that anyone steal from anyone else--so I'm pursuing my own interest at the expense of the common good (as well as at the expense of yours). I am forced to obey the rules of the commonwealth, because I agreed to the terms when I signed up. Rousseau's notion of personal liberty is not that everyone be free to do what he or she wants, but that everyone be free in the sense of *secure*.

So, I, the tomato thief, am "forced" to obey the rules of the commonwealth, which includes not stealing from you. In return, I live in the security provided by that commonwealth, which is the ultimate form of freedom, according to Rousseau.

Quoted from Elizabeth

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What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau enlightenment thinkers believe?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, like other Enlightenment thinkers, believed in the importance of reason, individual liberty, and social progress. He also emphasized the idea of the social contract, where individuals willingly come together to form a society based on common interests and values. Rousseau advocated for a more egalitarian society and criticized the inequalities perpetuated by traditional institutions.


What does the social contract employ according to Rousseau?

According to Rousseau, the social contract employs individuals surrendering some freedom to a collective body in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and interests. This agreement forms the basis of a just society where individuals are bound to the general will for the common good.


Rousseau argued that society should be governed by?

Rousseau argued that society should be governed by the general will, which represents the common interests of the people. He believed that individuals should participate in direct democracy to shape the laws and policies that govern them, creating a society based on collaboration and equality.


Which Enlightment thinker first wrote about the social contract?

The Enlightenment thinker who first wrote about the social contract is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In his work "The Social Contract," Rousseau discusses the idea that individuals agree to form a society governed by a common will in order to protect their collective interests and freedoms.


What does Rousseau believe about the controls a society puts on its people?

Rousseau believed that society's controls on its people should be minimal, focusing on the common good and the general will. He argued that individuals should be free to act in accordance with the general will to maintain a just and harmonious society. Rousseau emphasized the importance of equality, individual freedom, and the social contract in shaping a fair and just society.

Related Questions

According to Rousseau general will represent what is best for the?

According to Rousseau, the general will represents what is best for the collective good of the community, prioritizing the common interests over individual desires. It embodies the shared values and aspirations of the populace, guiding the society toward collective welfare. Rousseau believed that true freedom is achieved when individuals align their personal interests with the general will, fostering a harmonious social order.


What type of group of citizens pursue their own interests at the expense of the common good?

They are called factions.


What did Rousseau mean when stated that if any individual wants to pursue his own self interests at the expense of the common good he will be forced to be free?

Rousseau maintains that the state forms by means of a mutually-agreed-upon social contract. Once all the members of the state enter into that contract, they have to abide by its rules. So if I enter into the social contract with you, but I decide that I want to eat some tomatoes planted in your garden, to pursue my own self-interest, I might go steal your tomatoes. But it's not in the interest of the commonwealth that anyone steal from anyone else--so I'm pursuing my own interest at the expense of the common good (as well as at the expense of yours). I am forced to obey the rules of the commonwealth, because I agreed to the terms when I signed up. Rousseau's notion of personal liberty is not that everyone be free to do what he or she wants, but that everyone be free in the sense of *secure*. So, I, the tomato thief, am "forced" to obey the rules of the commonwealth, which includes not stealing from you. In return, I live in the security provided by that commonwealth, which is the ultimate form of freedom, according to Rousseau. Quoted from Elizabeth


What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau enlightenment thinkers believe?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, like other Enlightenment thinkers, believed in the importance of reason, individual liberty, and social progress. He also emphasized the idea of the social contract, where individuals willingly come together to form a society based on common interests and values. Rousseau advocated for a more egalitarian society and criticized the inequalities perpetuated by traditional institutions.


What type of government did Rousseau want?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for a form of government based on the principles of direct democracy and the general will. He believed that legitimate political authority arises from the collective agreement of the people, where citizens actively participate in decision-making. Rousseau emphasized the importance of individual freedom and equality, arguing that a government should reflect the common interests of the populace rather than serve the elite or specific factions.


Evaluation of Rousseau's - concept of General will?

Rousseau's concept of the General Will represents the collective will of the people, aimed at the common good and transcending individual interests. It emphasizes the idea that true freedom is achieved when individuals align their personal desires with the collective needs of society. Critics argue that the General Will can lead to authoritarianism, as it may suppress minority opinions in favor of majority rule. Nonetheless, Rousseau's notion remains influential in discussions of democracy and civic responsibility, highlighting the tension between individual autonomy and communal obligation.


What is Rousseau's idea of popular sovereignty?

Rousseau's idea of popular sovereignty is centered on the belief that the authority of the state is derived from the collective will of the people. He argues that legitimate political power comes from the general will, which reflects the common interests of the populace rather than individual desires. In his view, true freedom is achieved when citizens participate directly in the formulation of laws and governance, ensuring that the community's collective interests guide societal decisions. This concept emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the moral responsibility of individuals to contribute to the common good.


What statement accurately describes Jean-Jacques Rousseau concept of a social constract?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of the social contract posits that individuals enter into a collective agreement to form a society, surrendering some personal freedoms in exchange for protection and the benefits of communal living. He argues that legitimate political authority arises from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the importance of the general will, which reflects the common interests of the people. Rousseau believes that this contract fosters equality and freedom, as it aligns individual interests with the common good. Ultimately, the social contract serves as a foundation for a just society where citizens actively participate in shaping their governance.


How did Rousseau describe democracy?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau described democracy as a form of government rooted in the collective will of the people, which he termed the "general will." He believed that true democracy requires active participation from citizens, who should engage in the decision-making process for the common good. Rousseau emphasized that individual interests should be subordinated to the collective interest, ensuring that laws reflect the will of the majority while protecting the rights of all. His ideas highlight the importance of civic engagement and the moral responsibility of citizens in a democratic society.


What did Rousseau mean when he stated that if any individual want to pursue his own self interest at the expense of the common good he will be forced to be free?

Rousseau maintains that the state forms by means of a mutually-agreed-upon social contract. Once all the members of the state enter into that contract, they have to abide by its rules. So if I enter into the social contract with you, but I decide that I want to eat some tomatoes planted in your garden, to pursue my own self-interest, I might go steal your tomatoes. But it's not in the interest of the commonwealth that anyone steal from anyone else--so I'm pursuing my own interest at the expense of the common good (as well as at the expense of yours). I am forced to obey the rules of the commonwealth, because I agreed to the terms when I signed up. Rousseau's notion of personal liberty is not that everyone be free to do what he or she wants, but that everyone be free in the sense of *secure*. So, I, the tomato thief, am "forced" to obey the rules of the commonwealth, which includes not stealing from you. In return, I live in the security provided by that commonwealth, which is the ultimate form of freedom, according to Rousseau. Quoted from Elizabeth


What did Rousseau mean when he stated that if any individual wants to pursue his own self interest at the expense of the common good he will be forced to be free?

Rousseau maintains that the state forms by means of a mutually-agreed-upon social contract. Once all the members of the state enter into that contract, they have to abide by its rules. So if I enter into the social contract with you, but I decide that I want to eat some tomatoes planted in your garden, to pursue my own self-interest, I might go steal your tomatoes. But it's not in the interest of the commonwealth that anyone steal from anyone else--so I'm pursuing my own interest at the expense of the common good (as well as at the expense of yours). I am forced to obey the rules of the commonwealth, because I agreed to the terms when I signed up. Rousseau's notion of personal liberty is not that everyone be free to do what he or she wants, but that everyone be free in the sense of *secure*. So, I, the tomato thief, am "forced" to obey the rules of the commonwealth, which includes not stealing from you. In return, I live in the security provided by that commonwealth, which is the ultimate form of freedom, according to Rousseau. Quoted from Elizabeth


What is the pusuit of individual rather than common or collective interests?

individualism, objectivism :) good luck