On the Social Contract
On the Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, published by Courier Corporation in 2003, is a significant work that explores the foundations of political philosophy. This edition, part of the Dover Thrift Editions series, spans 97 pages and is presented in English. Rousseau opens with the assertion that “Man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains,” setting the stage for his critique of government and modern society, which he views as inherently flawed and rooted in inequality.
Readers will find Rousseau’s arguments compelling as he discusses the necessity of a government that justifies individual compromises for the greater good. He emphasizes the importance of social environments that encourage individuals to rise above their immediate desires, fostering self-governing and self-disciplined citizens. This work is a crucial resource for those studying political science, history, and philosophy, offering insights into the theoretical underpinnings of governance and societal structures.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains.” Thus begins Rousseau’s influential 1762 work, in which he argues that all government is fundamentally flawed and that modern society is based on a system of inequality. The philosopher posits that a good government can justify its need for individual compromises and that promoting social settings in which people transcend their immediate appetites and desires leads to the development of self-governing, self-disciplined beings. A milestone of political science, these essays are essential reading for students of history, philosophy, and other social sciences. G. D. H. Cole translation.
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