Rousseau's Social Contract Theory: Revisiting The Foundations Of Society In The Digital Age
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 8
- 1 min read
Jayashree Parhi, KIIT School of Law
ABSTRACT
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's social contract remains an integral concept in political philosophy, giving insights into the ground of rightful powers and the balance between individual freedom and social obligation. This paper presents a close reading of the work of the renowned thinker with an emphasis on its relevance to contemporary socio-political discourse. Rousseau's belief in the general will as a fundamental doctrine of the good of the community provides a contrasted perspective towards governance structures. As attention increasingly becomes centered around the rights and freedoms of individuals, the Social Contract Theory is one that presents a different dimension for assessing the relationship between the individual and the state. Rousseau's belief in the general will as a fundamental doctrine of the good of the community is a different perspective on governance structures. The enduring importance of Rousseau's Theory of the Social Contract is that it is the call for reflective examination of the relationship between the government and citizens that appeals to an improved, more equitable society.
