Single Idea 20501

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / c. A unified people]

Full Idea

Rousseau assumes that there should already be bonds of custom and tradition uniting a people before it is fit to receive laws.

Gist of Idea

Rousseau assumes that laws need a people united by custom and tradition

Source

report of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762]) by Jonathan Wolff - An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) 3 'Rousseau'

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.83


A Reaction

In unusual circumstances, such as the arrival of a large population at a new colony, it might be that the laws would create the missing customs and traditions.