Forced Freedom

Paper Summary:

In "The Social Contract," Rousseau argues that we are all born free and equal, yet do not live either freely or equally. The paper focuses on Rousseau's arguments about the general will, the social contract and the nature of freedom in society. The paper shows how Rousseau's argument lacks some practical considerations but contends he is right in stating that people are forced to be free. The paper maintains that freedom can be achieved for all individuals, but not without force. It is the whole of society that provides the force that allows for individual freedom.

From the Paper:

"It is first necessary to consider how Rousseau describes freedom. The most important point to note is that Rousseau differentiates between two types of freedom, personal freedom and social freedom. Personal freedom is an individual's own selfish choices, where an individual will carry out only those actions that are of benefit to them. Social freedom is the freedom achieved when an individual carries out those actions that the general will requires. Rousseau argues that social freedom must be achieved at the expense of personal freedom. This is the cost of being part of a society. Thus while an individual is born free, their freedom in society cannot exist until they give up their personal freedom. Giving up personal freedom for social freedom means that all individuals act in accordance with what is best for society as a whole, not their own needs and wants. It is true that individuals do give up freedom. But the gains from giving up this freedom must also be considered, with these gains coming from society as a whole."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Rousseau, Jean-Jacques.The Social Contract. Trans. Maurice Cranston. New York: Penguin, 1987.

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