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].
Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation[2][3][5].
This week, Conservative peer Baroness Gabby Bertin asks for advice on how to keep a government report from sinking without a trace. Her review - released on Thursday - calls for a ban on degrading and misogynistic pornography. George Osborne and Ed Balls provide their views on how to make sure the findings reach the right people and make an impact.
Speaking of influence and power, host of Politico’s Westminster Insider podcast Sascha O’Sullivan has a question regarding the relationship between the Prime Minister and Chancellor. How does that personal interplay between the two impact the reach of the Treasury? They consider Keir Starmer’s surprise defence spending announcement, by way of example.
Lord Evans of Rainow has an apology for Ed that sparks a question about the future of heckling and sledging in parliamentary questions. Is it getting tougher in modern politics? Or easing off?
And they cast their minds back to A-Level politics. What 1980s sixth form learnings did George draw on in his political career? Why did Ed elect to skip the course altogether? And what would they include if they were teaching the course today?
This episode is brought to you by British Airways. British Airways will take care of you over a lifetime of journeys. Book your next flight at britishairways.com
You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.
Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency. Please note Kitchen Cabinet subscriptions are only available through Patreon.
Technical Producer: Danny Pape
Producer: Miriam Hall and Rosie Stopher
Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford
Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Political Currency 
