Discourse on Political Economy and the Social Contract

by Rousseau, Jean-Jacques; Betts, Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780192827500
• ISBN10: 0192827502
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-12-22
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Revolutionary in its own time and controversial to this day, this work is a permanent classic of political theory and a key source of democratic belief. Rousseau's concepts of "the general will" as a mode of self-interest uniting for a common good, and the submission of the individual to government by contract inform the heart of democracy, and stand as its most contentious components today. Also included in this edition is Rousseau's Discourse on Political Economy", a key transitional work between his Discourse on Inequality and The Social Contract. This new translation offers fresh insight into a cornerstone of political thought, which is further illuminated by a comprehensive introduction and notes.

Table of Contents

Oxford World's Classics the Social Contract	p. i
Oxford World's Classics	p. ii
Acknowledgements	p. v
A Note On The Text And Translation	p. xxiv
Select Bibliography	p. xxv
A Chronology Of Jean-Jacques Rousseau	p. xxvii
Political Economy	p. 1
The Social Contract or the Principles of Political Right	p. 43
Prefatory Note	p. 44
	p. 45
	p. 63
	p. 91
	p. 134
Appendix the: General Society of the Human Race	p. 169
EXPLANATORY NOTES	p. 176
Index	p. 213
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.