Of the social contract ; and other political writings
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Of the social contract ; and other political writings
（Penguin classics, . Penguin literature）
Penguin, 2012
- : pbk
Available at 1 libraries
Note
Chronology: p. [vii]-ix
Bibliography: p. [xli]-xliv
Description and Table of Contents
Description
'Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'
These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise, he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law, freedom and justice, arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism, to others a declaration of democratic principles.
Translated by Quintin Hoare
With a new introduction by Christopher Bertram
by "Nielsen BookData"