Main characteristics of Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory:
The following are the main characteristics of Social Contract theory of Rousseau:
1. Two forms of an individual under the contract:
Under the social contract theory of Rousseau, two forms of an individual are apparent – personal and collective. In personal capacity, he entrusts all his rights to the society and gets these rights back in the capacity of being member of the society, which he gave up at the time of the contract.
2. No impact on the freedom of an individual:
By the contract, there is no impact on the freedom of an individual. Instead, a person gets positive liberty.
3. Formation of General Will:
General Will is formed by the contract. That is, the sovereign, the government and all the people of the society have to follow its order. None has the right to violate the order.
4. Only a social contract:
Rousseau mentions only social contract. He does not describe any political contract.
