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Published byKyle Huling Modified over 10 years ago
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Rousseau Origin of Inequality The Social Contract
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Historical Background Eve of the French Revolution (The Social Contract published in 1863) – enormous influence there Tract in political and moral philosophy – no scientific ambitions Price of civilization?
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Main problem How should the political community be organized? Can citizens retain any rights/liberties? How can the current deficient state of society be corrected?
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Solution Social contract Each individual gives himself up completely to the body politics (sovereign) In giving ourselves up we remain free Our conduct is governed by the general will – aimed at the common good; general in its object and its essence Civil religion mandatory for all Education
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Reasons Evolution of the state of nature: from abundance, isolation, and general life satisfaction to division of labor, property rights, inequality, language, moral rules and a social order protecting the rich and powerful It is the current political/social condition that needs to be overcome, not the state of nature Human nature: a degree of selfishness; aversion to harming others; generally good human nature twisted by civilization; natural inequality
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Assumptions/values Ideal of rational autonomy New understanding of liberty (civil + moral) Natural inequality can give way to civil equality
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Implications Inequality? Minority rights? Limitations on the power of the government?
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Potential problems Liberty, equality, fraternity? Community bonds too tight? Not enough room for individual/group pursuits and self-expression? Comparison to Hobbes and Locke?
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