Rousseau's Theory of Freedom

Jean-Jacques Rousseau has a claim to be ranked above even Karl Marx as the political philosopher who has most influenced everyday life. His much-read philosophy of education alone would qualify him for a high place, but his political theory is even more important: decisions affecting millions of people were made based on the reading of certain lines of the Social Contract. Yet while politicians and scholars have studied this book for 250 years, almost no agreement exists on how to interpret its central concept: freedom. Rousseau's theory of freedom has led him to be called everything from the greatest prophet of individual liberty to the designer of the first totalitarian state.

This book offers a new, unifying interpretation of the theory of freedom in the Social Contract. Simpson gives a careful analysis of Rousseau's theory of the social pact, and then examines the kinds of freedom that it brings about, showing how Rousseau's individualist and collectivist aspects fit into a larger and logically coherent theory of human liberty. Simpson's book not only helps us to understand one of the pre-eminent political minds of the 18th century, but also brings us into closer conversation with those he influenced, who have done so much to shape our world. And in light of the interest in contemporary contractualist philosophers like Rawls, Scanlon, and Gauthier, readers will find it worthwhile to return to the thinker who offers one of the most radical, profound, and insightful theories of the social contract ever devised.

Autorentext

Matthew Simpson is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Head of the Philosophy Department at Luther College, USA. He has been a junior visiting fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, Austria, as well as a recipient of research grants and fellowships from the University Professors Program at Boston University and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Inhalt

Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: The State of Nature
Chapter 2: Political Society
Chapter 3: Civil Freedom
Chapter 4: Democratic Freedom
Chapter 5: Moral Freedom
Conclusion
Works Cited