Yhteiskuntasopimuksesta, Eli, Valtio-Oikeuden Johtavat Aatteet

A philosophical treatise that was likely written in the late 18th century. This work explores the concepts of social contracts, the nature of political authority, and the relationship between individual freedom and society. Rousseau seeks to understand how people can maintain their natural rights while forming a collective government and addresses themes of justice, equality, and the corruption of human nature by society. At the start of the text, Rousseau asserts that humans are born free but are confounded by societal constraints, and he aims to investigate how this transformation occurs. He introduces the idea that the original and natural form of society is the family unit, where freedom is innate until external pressures create hierarchies. Rousseau challenges the notion of the divine rights of kings and critiques the idea that might makes right, establishing a foundation for his argument that any legitimate authority stems from a social contract based on mutual agreement and common welfare. This opening lays the groundwork for Rousseau's philosophical exploration of governance, individual liberty, and societal organization.