Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

Biography Enlightenment philosopher, writer, and composer (born in Geneva; worked extensively in Paris). Ideas influenced the French Revolution. Orphaned when he was young. Left home at sixteen and worked as a tutor and musician. Began literary career in his forties.

The Social Contract 1762 A “social contract” is an agreement between authority and people being governed: the governed agree to be ruled only so that their rights, property, and happiness be protected by the rulers. Allows men to remain free; in submitting to the will of the whole (society) we are guaranteed against submitting to the will of others (individuals).

The Social Contract 1762 To Rousseau, the contract is flawed: the wealthy and powerful rulers trick the governed and create inequality. He argues that the contract needs to be rethought: protect the rights of all instead of the rights of a select few.