The Social Contract · Chapter
Book II explained
Rousseau explores the nature of sovereignty, the general will, and the transition from the state of nature to civil society.
What happens
Rousseau explores the nature of sovereignty, the general will, and the transition from the state of nature to civil society. He argues that sovereignty is inalienable, indivisible, and always directed toward the common good, and that law is an expression of the general will.
Themes in this chapter
The General Will
Rousseau defines the general will as always right and directed toward the public advantage, distinct from the will of all.
Sovereignty and Government
Sovereignty is declared inalienable and indivisible, exercised by the people as a collective body.
Characters to notice
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Primary author and narrator of the Social Contract.
- Hugo Grotius
Referenced in discussions on the right of slavery and the transfer of liberty.
- Thomas Hobbes
Mentioned in the context of sovereignty and the general will.
- Aristotle
Referenced in discussions on natural inequality and the foundation of society.
Key passages
“The Sovereign, being nothing other than the collective being of individuals, cannot have any interest contrary to theirs.”
The Sovereign, as the collective body of all citizens, cannot have interests opposed to the people's interests.
Rousseau emphasizes the unity of the sovereign and the people.
“Law is the expression of the general will.”
Law represents the collective will of the people.
Central definition of law in Rousseau's political theory.
“Sovereignty is inalienable; it cannot be represented.”
Sovereignty cannot be transferred or delegated to representatives.
Rousseau argues against representative government.