PHILO 11.05 - The Social Contract

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Questions and Answers

What theory rejects the idea of some people being born fit rulers and others destined to be slaves?

Theory of Natural Aristocracy

Social Contract Theory (correct)

State of Nature

Divine Right Theory

In Rousseau's philosophy, what does yielding to force signify?

An act of will

An act against the general will

An act of consent

An act of necessity (correct)

What, according to Rousseau, transforms man into an intelligent being and a man?

Having a strong ruler

Being born into royalty

Submission to might

Alienating individual will for the general will (correct)

Which concept justifies the social order according to Rousseau?

General Will Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of legitimate rule according to the text?

Social contract and general will Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rousseau reject slavery as a legitimate reason to rule?

It leads to imbalanced states. Signup and view all the answers

According to Rousseau, what is the basis for legitimate rule?

The will of the people, expressed through the general will Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, which of the following is the key prerequisite for people to move from the state of nature to a community?

Prevailing antagonist that forces people to work together Signup and view all the answers

According to Rousseau, what is the natural state of man?

A state of freedom, where man minds his own business and is preoccupied with survival Signup and view all the answers

What is the key solution proposed in the passage to the problem of individuals only obeying themselves and remaining as free as before in a community?

Individuals subsuming and surrendering their individual wills for the rights of the whole community Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the effect of the social contract on man's transition from the state of nature to a community?

It expands man's ideas and ennobles his feelings, while developing his faculties Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between natural liberty and civil liberty, according to Rousseau?

Natural liberty is the freedom to do as one pleases, while civil liberty is the freedom to do as the law allows Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Rousseau's view of legitimate rule, as presented in the passage?

Legitimate rule presupposes the freedom of its subjects and assures people of their own liberty Signup and view all the answers

What is Rousseau's agenda, as stated in the text?

To explore what right permits with what interest prescribes, so that justice and utility may not be at variance Signup and view all the answers

According to Rousseau, what is the relationship between the individual will and the general will?

The individual will and the general will are separate, but the individual can govern themselves through the general will Signup and view all the answers

What is the key basis for legitimate rule, according to the passage?

Individuals subsuming and surrendering their individual wills for the rights of the whole community Signup and view all the answers

What is the central problem identified in the passage regarding the transition from the state of nature to a community?

Individuals only obeying themselves and remaining as free as before Signup and view all the answers

How does Rousseau view the family as a model for political society?

The family is the first model of political society, where the father rules out of love and the children are naturally subservient Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Philosophy of Rousseau

Rejects the notion of inherent rulers and slaves, advocating all individuals are born equal.
Emphasizes that yielding to force represents a lack of legitimate authority, not rightful governance.
Attributes transformation of man into an intelligent being to social interaction and development.

Justifies the social order through the concept of the social contract, where individuals unite for collective benefit.
Bases legitimate rule on the consent of the governed, where authority must arise from the collective will.
Rejects slavery as valid justification for rule, asserting that freedom is inherent and cannot be forfeited.

Transition from Nature to Community

Key prerequisite for moving from the state of nature is the establishment of mutual agreements and civil ties among individuals.
Defines the natural state of man as solitary, driven by basic instincts rather than societal constructs.
Proposes that the social contract allows individuals to maintain freedom while forming a cohesive community.

Liberty and Governance

Differentiates between natural liberty (freedom in the state of nature) and civil liberty (freedom within a structured society).
Views legitimate rule as grounded in aligning individual wills with the general will, promoting common good.

Challenges and Solutions

Identifies the central problem as ensuring individuals retain agency while contributing to the community.
Critiques the traditional family structure, suggesting it models relationships based on shared interests rather than domination.

Rousseau's Vision

Advocates for a society where freedom and equality are foundational, urging a transformation through collective agreements.
Centers on the relationship between individual will and the greater good, highlighting the importance of community welfare.

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Description

Test your knowledge on political philosophy with questions about the state of nature, legitimate rule, government legitimacy, and social order.