Jean Jacques Rousseau - Essay Example

This consent of the public is critically important for welfare of a society because this consent is directly related to a low rate of crime, violence, and chaos. In order to avoid drastic consequences and to preserve the supremacy of the state over the individuals, many philosophers made great contributions to raising awareness about the social contract. This very riveting concept picked momentum due to monumental works introduced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This essay is primarily based on scrutinizing the highly memorable book written by Rousseau in 1762 which is called “The Social Contract” (TSC).

Following discussion will include a comprehensive analysis of this concept which was rigorously popularized by Rousseau in his book. The essay will try to explore what exactly Rousseau means by the term “Social contract” and what is the nature of its relationship with politics. Rousseau was well-aware of the value added by civil freedom to virtuous performance in life, so he indefinitely stressed on replacing personal freedom with civil freedom. He suggested that civil undertakings or obligations without a social contract are bound to be considered tyrannical (Rousseau 2004, p. 195). But, a social contract motivates the entire community to compel a defiant person to abide by the general will.

Rousseau was of the view that this sort of community behaviour adds immense strength to mind and character. It was never his intention to push people into slavery because in TSC, he does not urge his audience to completely sacrifice their physical freedom. Rather, he stresses that the social order is in fact a way of preserving natural freedom. Rousseau is highly conscious of the fact that excess of everything is bad. There is an extent to which physical freedom should be sacrificed in order to be admitted into a civil society and become a full and