#4590
Mentioned in 11 episodes
The Social Contract
Book • 1762
In 'The Social Contract', Jean-Jacques Rousseau outlines a theory of government where the legitimacy of political authority stems from the consent of the governed.
The book begins with the famous line 'Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains,' highlighting the tension between natural freedom and the constraints of societal laws.
Rousseau argues that a legitimate state is formed when citizens enter into a social contract, surrendering some of their natural rights in exchange for civil rights and the protection of the general will.
The general will, a collective idea of the common good, is central to Rousseau's theory, and he advocates for a system where the people, as the sovereign, make decisions directly and where laws ensure liberty and equality.
The work has been influential in shaping modern political thought and has played a significant role in the French Revolution and the development of democratic principles[2][3][5].
The book begins with the famous line 'Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains,' highlighting the tension between natural freedom and the constraints of societal laws.
Rousseau argues that a legitimate state is formed when citizens enter into a social contract, surrendering some of their natural rights in exchange for civil rights and the protection of the general will.
The general will, a collective idea of the common good, is central to Rousseau's theory, and he advocates for a system where the people, as the sovereign, make decisions directly and where laws ensure liberty and equality.
The work has been influential in shaping modern political thought and has played a significant role in the French Revolution and the development of democratic principles[2][3][5].
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 11 episodes
Mentioned by Michael Munger when discussing moral self-governance and the inscription of law on men's hearts.
123 snips
Michael Munger on Obedience to the Unenforceable
Mentioned by Erica Benner , referring to Rousseau's footnote in 'The Social Contract' about misunderstanding 'The Prince'.
106 snips
Machiavelli on how democracies die
Mentioned by Ruth Scurr and 
David Runciman in the context of its influence on Robespierre and the retrospective interpretations of its role in the revolution.
David Runciman in the context of its influence on Robespierre and the retrospective interpretations of its role in the revolution.
46 snips
The History of Revolutionary Ideas: French Revolution 2: Robespierre
Mentioned as a key figure in the 18th century who influenced the idea of authenticity, highlighting his views on social existence and the corruption of human beings.
36 snips
Authenticity
Paired with Plato in Nietzsche's 'Journey to Hades', contrasting Rousseau's emphasis on the state of nature with Plato's idealism of civilization.
95: The Journey to Hades
Mentioned by George Osborne when discussing key political texts studied during his A-level politics.
EMQs: The art of parliamentary heckling
Mentioned by Steve Jobs within a discussion of influential political texts.
Steve Jobs - Everything in the World
Mentioned as a significant contributor to social contract theory, exploring concepts of popular sovereignty and the general will.
The Beginning of Greek Philosophy
Mentioned by Speaker 1 as a foundational text for understanding clear thinking.
Isaiah Berlin Interview
Mentioned by Andrew Keen and David Bell as a prominent Enlightenment figure whose ideas challenged the concept of progress and influenced later political thought.
Episode 2509: David A. Bell on "The Enlightenment"
Mentioned by 
Victoria Brewer as a familiar figure from school and college, whose ideas are discussed in the book.
Victoria Brewer as a familiar figure from school and college, whose ideas are discussed in the book.
119 The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber & David Wengrow— People Have Always Been People
