2. Jean Jacques Rousseau: Social Contract Aldrin Amat CHY 4U1 Mr. Swan September 22, 2010

3. Quick Facts Born on June 28,1712 in Geneva, Switzerland, he left home at 16, moving back and forth from Geneva and Paris, working as a musician and tutor. A Genevois Philosopher, writer, composer, 18 th century Romantic and French Enlightenment thinker. His deep interest in music led him to believe that music should express feelings rather than ideas. Began writing career in his forties, and an essay titled, Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts 1750, declaring man is good by nature but can be harmful and corrupt due to the effects of modern civilization, gained him widespread attention. He began to show signs of mental instability in 1767 and died insane on July 2, 1778 in France.

4. Social Contract The Social Contract (1762), introduced the slogan 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity‘. Focuses on the search for a legitimate authority. Proper Government’s could exist if they protect the equality and character of their citizens. People must give up sovereignty to the government to receive and maintain social order through rule of law. Struggled to preserve individual freedom, within the confines of society, an important theme during the Enlightenment. Argues the fact that man should never give up their freedom to slavery. General will allows individual freedom and diversity. States the origin of society, absolute freedom, and absolute equality of all, are false and unnatural. Concluded by saying the only rightful rulers are those whom the citizens freely choose for themselves. Famous quote, “Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains”. One of the most influential works of political philosophy in Western tradition.

5. Importance to World History His work may have been criticized, but friends and enemies alike can recognize the originality and persuasiveness of his ideas. His political philosophy influenced several ideas and individuals during the French and American Revolutions. Intellectual father of the French Revolution (1789 – 1799), defender of individual freedom and private property. Modern Fascism, Communism and Communitarian thought, a result of Rousseau's ideals used during the French Revolution. Influenced Immanuel Kant, who bridged the gap between the Enlightenment and the Romantics, as well as Karl Marx. Founding Fathers of the United States Thomas Jefferson and James Madison drew heavily on Rousseau’s ideals. Greatest challenge was to convince men to never be ashamed to call themselves human beings. Ideas of human equality, democracy, and freedom have influenced many modern republican governments.

6. Works Cited Encyclopedia of Political Thought Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Modern World History Online The Catholic Encyclopedia