Though he has never ceased to be controversial, Jean-Jacques Rousseau is surely one of the most influential philosophers in the Western tradition. His writings on the education, music, economy, culture and especially political theory have shaped reforms and revolutions around the world.
The Social Contract contains ideas about sovereignty and political legitimacy that went profoundly against the grain in 18th century Europe, but which are in many ways taken for granted now in the 21st century. By reading this book, students will therefore also have an opportunity to gain in insight about the roots of their own political culture, whilst becoming more familiar with core topics in...
