Description

Book Synopsis

Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains

These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has not ceased to stir vigorous debate 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.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authori

Table of Contents
The Social Contract Translator's acknowledgments
Introduction
Foreword
Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV

The Social Contract Penguin Classics

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maurice Cranston, Maurice Cranston

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Classics
      Published 31 July 2003
      ISBN-13 9780140442014
      978-0140442014
      ISBN-10 0140442014
      Also in:
      Politics, Philosophy & Society Constitution: government and the state Philosophical traditions and schools of thought Jean Jacques Rousseau Books by Jean Jacques Rousseau

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains

      These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has not ceased to stir vigorous debate 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.

      For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authori

      Table of Contents
      The Social Contract Translator's acknowledgments
      Introduction
      Foreword
      Book I
      Book II
      Book III
      Book IV

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