Jean Jacques Rousseau, who was born on June 28, 1712, was a French philosopher and writer. He is best known for his book “The Social Contract” (1762), which argues that the only legitimate source of political authority is the general will of the people.
Philosopher’s ideas can best be characterized as a mix of individualism and collectivism. Rousseau believed that humans are born free and equal, but that society corrupts them. This corruption is expressed in two ways: firstly, by an overemphasis on material goods and possessions; and secondly by an overemphasis on social rank and status.
The idea of individualism is that people are born with certain inalienable rights, like freedom from oppression and liberty to pursue happiness. However, Rousseau believed that once these rights were violated by society, people were no longer able to exercise them on their own accord.
Rousseau argued that civilized society has developed out of an imbalance between self-interest and sympathy between members of society. In modern society people have become obsessed with property wealth, rank and status rather than friendship or affection towards others. However, he believed that this imbalance can be corrected through education, which would lead to more equality in society.
Summary, Rousseau’s ideas can best be characterized as a mixture of individualism and collectivism because he believed individuals had rights over themselves but also recognized the importance of community, family and family ties in society as a whole.
