The Social Contract Explain carefully what Rousseau means by the social contract. Why and how is the social contract enacted? Do you think Rousseau's concept of the social contract adequately explains the origin and legitimacy of social obligation?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Rousseau hypothesizes a state of nature in which individuals are endowed with natural freedom. At some point though this natural freedom proves insufficient to ensure the continued existence of those living in the state of nature and so a person enters into a SOCIAL CONTRACT whereby each of them gives up his or her natural freedom to become part of a collective body governed by what Rousseau calls the 'general will'.

Philosophy & Belief

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Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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Philosophy & Belief

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Philosophy & Belief