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Social Contract

Social Contract

By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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In The Social Contract, Rousseau boldly presents his vision of political justice, advocating for the foundation, organization, and administration of a truly just and legitimate state. With his signature audacity, he makes a compelling case for direct democracy, while condemning all other forms of government as illegitimate and akin to slavery. Celebrated as a revolutionary text that played a pivotal role in igniting the French Revolution, this work not only fuels discontent with existing governments but also inspires readers to imagine and strive for a radically different political and social order. (Summary by Eric Jonas)Copyright Politics, Philosophy, Religion
Episodes
  • 037 - 16-That the Institution of the Government is not a contract
    Feb 14 2026
    In The Social Contract, Rousseau boldly presents his vision of political justice, advocating for the foundation, organization, and administration of a truly just and legitimate state. With his signature audacity, he makes a compelling case for direct democracy, while condemning all other forms of government as illegitimate and akin to slavery. Celebrated as a revolutionary text that played a pivotal role in igniting the French Revolution, this work not only fuels discontent with existing governments but also inspires readers to imagine and strive for a radically different political and social order. (Summary by Eric Jonas)
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    3 mins
  • 036 - 15-Deputies or Representatives
    Feb 13 2026
    In The Social Contract, Rousseau boldly presents his vision of political justice, advocating for the foundation, organization, and administration of a truly just and legitimate state. With his signature audacity, he makes a compelling case for direct democracy, while condemning all other forms of government as illegitimate and akin to slavery. Celebrated as a revolutionary text that played a pivotal role in igniting the French Revolution, this work not only fuels discontent with existing governments but also inspires readers to imagine and strive for a radically different political and social order. (Summary by Eric Jonas)
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • 035 - 14-How the sovereign Authority is Maintained continued
    Feb 12 2026
    In The Social Contract, Rousseau boldly presents his vision of political justice, advocating for the foundation, organization, and administration of a truly just and legitimate state. With his signature audacity, he makes a compelling case for direct democracy, while condemning all other forms of government as illegitimate and akin to slavery. Celebrated as a revolutionary text that played a pivotal role in igniting the French Revolution, this work not only fuels discontent with existing governments but also inspires readers to imagine and strive for a radically different political and social order. (Summary by Eric Jonas)
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
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