Overview

Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket In a world where personal freedom and collective order often clash, a radical idea emerges: society can thrive only when individuals willingly unite under a shared agreement. Rousseau explores how the balance between personal liberty and the common good can be achieved through the creation of a ""social contract,"" where citizens relinquish certain freedoms to form a just and equitable community. This philosophical treatise delves into the origins of political authority, the role of the general will, and the importance of laws that reflect the shared interests of all. With timeless questions about freedom, equality, and governance, it challenges readers to reconsider what it means to live together in harmony. A cornerstone of political philosophy, The Social Contract shaped revolutionary thought and modern democratic ideals. Rousseau's vision of collective governance challenged monarchies and inspired movements like the French Revolution. His arguments for the general will and civil liberty continue to influence debates on freedom, justice, and equality. This profound work remains a timeless exploration of how societies can achieve harmony through shared principles.

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9781998667505

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born on June 28, 1712, in Geneva, was a philosopher, writer, and composer who shaped Enlightenment thought and modern political theory. Raised by his father and aunt after his mother's death, Rousseau's early life was marked by wanderings and diverse experiences. At 15, he left Geneva, converted to Catholicism, and worked various jobs while exploring his intellectual interests.In Paris, Rousseau befriended Denis Diderot and contributed to the Encyclopédie, gaining recognition with his 1750 essay, Discourse on the Arts and Sciences. He argued that advancements in the arts and sciences had led to moral decay, introducing his critical stance on societal progress. His later works, including The Social Contract and Discourse on Inequality, challenged traditional authority and championed the idea of popular sovereignty.Rousseau's novel Émile presented groundbreaking views on education, emphasizing natural development and experiential learning. His radical ideas often brought him into conflict with authorities, resulting in bans and exile. Despite these challenges, Rousseau's philosophy inspired the French Revolution and continues to influence modern political and educational thought.

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